Best OTC for Tooth Pain: Top Relief Options and Remedies

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According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, tooth decay affects nine in ten American adults aged 20 to 64. Gum disease is also prevalent, impacting nearly half of all U.S. adults aged 45 to 64. Both oral health problems often result in highly unpleasant symptoms, particularly tooth pain.

If you have a toothache, your best option is to visit your dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist can identify and treat the underlying cause of your unpleasant symptoms.

In the meantime, you can take the best OTC for tooth pain. Our team at Kiwi Drug will explain the top over-the-counter pain medications for toothaches in this guide, so please read on.

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends NSAIDs as the first-line option for uncomplicated and acute tooth pain relief. A good enough reason is that they are more effective at reducing pain than opioid analgesics.

NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase (COX), an enzyme that triggers the release of prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that affect several bodily functions, including inflammation and pain.

By blocking the release of prostaglandins, NSAIDs can reduce inflammation and the pain that it can cause.

OTC dental pain medicines categorized as NSAIDs include:

• Acetylsalicylic acid
• Ibuprofen
• Naproxen

Here’s a quick explanation of each type of NSAID.

Acetylsalicylic Acid

Acetylsalicylic acid, also called aspirin, can help relieve mild to moderate toothaches. It can also help with headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, and arthritis pain.

You can take nonprescription aspirin every 4 to 6 hours for pain relief. Please follow the instructions for its use as indicated on the package’s label.

OTC aspirin is available in generic and brand-name forms. Some branded options include Cartia and Aspro Clear.

Ibuprofen

Like acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen is effective for mild to moderate oral pain, headaches, and sore muscles. However, ibuprofen may be a better option for people with a history of gastrointestinal issues, such as bleeding or ulcers. As Verywell Health explains, it is less likely to cause problems with the stomach, such as irritation, than aspirin.

Like over-the-counter aspirin, ibuprofen is available as a generic and brand-name medication. An example of brand-name ibuprofen is Nurofen Zavance. Other brands, like Nuromol and Maxigesic film-coated tablets, combine ibuprofen and paracetamol.

Naproxen

Naproxen can help ease pain and inflammatory conditions, such as muscle pains, menstrual cramps, headaches, arthritis, and toothaches. It can also help reduce fever.

Clove Oil

Clove oil is one of your top over-the-counter toothache remedies that can help relieve oral pain through its natural compound, eugenol. According to the health website Medical News Today, eugenol makes up about 70% to 90% of clove oil and has the following properties:

• Anesthetic
• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antifungal

The above properties are also why dentists use clove oil (together with zinc oxide) as tooth-filling materials. They also sometimes use it to treat pain from an oral condition called “dry socket.”

To use clove oil for toothaches, dilute three to five drops of the essential oil with a teaspoon of carrier oil, such as canola, olive, or grapeseed oil. Then, soak a piece of cotton ball in the mixture and hold it against the affected area for several minutes. Numbing should begin within five to ten minutes, making clove oil one of the fast-acting dental pain solutions you should try.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) rinses are ideal for relieving tooth pain. They are available in various concentrations, including 3%, 6%, and 9%.

Hydrogen peroxide is a colorless liquid with a chemical formula similar to water (H2O). The primary difference is that it has an extra oxygen molecule, allowing it to act as a powerful oxidizing and disinfecting agent. No wonder dentists have used them since 1913 to help with plaque reduction and gum disease treatment, according to Colgate.com.

Hydrogen peroxide can help ease tooth pain by reducing bacteria that cause gum disease and plaque that can further irritate the gums.

You can buy hydrogen peroxide over the counter and use it as a home remedy for toothaches. Some products, like those with a 3% concentration, are ready to use, while others require dilution with water.

To use the solution safely, follow the instructions on the product’s label. After rinsing your mouth, please spit it out. Never swallow it, as it may cause stomach issues.

Stop Smoking

One of the most effective ways to enhance oral health and ease toothache symptoms is to quit smoking. Smoking can lead to oral pain by causing or contributing to gum disease, in which pain is a common symptom. It can also make your body less able to combat gum infections and reduce its ability to recover and heal.

Indeed, according to the U.S. CDC, people who smoke have twice the risk for gum disease than non-smokers. Moreover, gum disease treatment may not be as effective in people who smoke than those who don’t. Gum disease also makes you more likely to suffer from preventable and painful tooth loss.

So, by quitting smoking, you can reduce your risks of developing painful oral conditions. Living a smoke-free life can also benefit your health, considering you will no longer inhale the toxins that tobacco smoke contains.

You can quit smoking by going “cold turkey,” but it may be more effective to use smoking cessation aids. Nicotine patches and gums can help you gradually kick the habit and craving for nicotine and reduce the number of cigarettes you smoke.

Find Relief With the Best OTC for Tooth Pain

If you cannot see your dentist immediately, try the best OTC for tooth pain, such as NSAIDs, clove oil, and hydrogen peroxide rinses. Quitting smoking can also help. If your symptoms persist, it’s time to visit your oral healthcare provider, as you may have a condition that already requires intervention, such as severe tooth decay, gum disease, or strep throat.

If you’re ready to order your OTC medications for toothache relief, Kiwi Drug is here to help. We’re an online chemist backed by a large pharmacy company with over four decades of business history.

We can help you save up to 50% (or more!) on your local pharmacy prices, so browse our pain relief medications today.