People often experience dental discomfort due to sensitivity, injuries, infections, stress, or as a temporary side effect of a recent dental procedure, and it can sometimes be quite distracting. Thankfully, over-the-counter pain medication can help relieve this issue. Here’s a quick look at a few popular over-the-counter pain solutions and how you can use them to stay comfortable and make dentist’s appointments easier.
What Are Some Great Over-the-Counter Pain Medications for Oral Discomfort?
A few excellent over-the-counter pain medications for dental pain include:
- Ibuprofen: Drugs such as Advil and Motrin can be great for throbbing toothaches or discomfort after dental procedures like extractions or root canals. However, avoid or consult a doctor if you have a history of asthma, stomach ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, heart conditions, or kidney disease or if you use blood thinners.
- Acetaminophen: Medications such as Tylenol are excellent for mild to moderate dental pain or those who cannot take ibuprofen or aspirin. However, it’s best to avoid if you have liver disease or consume alcohol regularly.
- Aspirin: Medicines like Bayer and Bufferin can reduce mild dental pain and inflammation, but it’s best to avoid it if you have a bleeding disorder or stomach ulcers or if you are scheduled for dental surgery or are under sixteen.
- Naproxen Sodium: Products like Aleve can provide long-lasting relief for persistent dental pain, but avoid it if you have a history of heart disease, kidney problems, or hypertension. It’s also not recommended for those with stomach ulcers or asthma.
- Benzocaine: This topical anesthetic found in products like Orajel and Anbesol can bring immediate relief by temporarily numbing the treated area, but it’s important to use it sparingly. Benzocaine is not recommended for children under the age of two.
How Can Over-the-Counter Pain Medication Make Dentist’s Appointments Easier?
While these medications can certainly help patients who are suffering from many types of dental sensitivity or oral pain, you may not be aware of how they can be used to relieve dental anxiety. Try taking an over-the-counter pain pill an hour or so before your next dental appointment to reduce the discomfort that may happen during your checkup and cleaning. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication after your appointment if needed, but always remember to follow the dosage instructions printed on the label of any product you use.
Don’t let dental discomfort drag you down. Using an appropriate over-the-counter pain medication can help you stay comfortable and keep up with your routine dental care.
About the Practice
Taylor Street Dental offers the finest oral healthcare in Springfield. Led by Drs. Peck, Tyra, Greenberg, and Truong, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys a comfortable and effective treatment experience in a warm and organized office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry. To schedule your next dental appointment, contact the office on the web or dial (413) 781-7645.