What medication is good for tooth nerve pain? A comprehensive guide

October 12, 2025 •

4 min read

According to guidelines from the American Dental Association (ADA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a recommended first option for dental pain. Determining what medication is good for tooth nerve pain, however, depends on the severity and cause of your discomfort.

Quick Summary

Several over-the-counter and prescription options can alleviate tooth nerve pain, from NSAIDs that reduce inflammation to analgesics that block pain signals. Topical anesthetics offer targeted, temporary numbing. For severe or persistent pain, a dentist can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Key Points

Start with NSAIDs: For most dental pain, especially with swelling, over-the-counter NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen are a recommended first option.
Consider acetaminophen: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) can relieve pain but doesn't reduce inflammation, making it an alternative for those unable to take NSAIDs.
Combine medications safely: For more severe pain, alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be more effective than either drug alone, but never combine two different NSAIDs.
Use topical treatments for temporary numbing: Gels containing benzocaine (e.g., Orajel) provide localized, short-term relief by numbing the affected area.
Don't ignore the cause: Medication only masks symptoms; a dentist must be consulted for a proper diagnosis and to treat the root cause of the nerve pain.
Consult a professional: Seek immediate dental attention for severe or persistent pain, swelling, or signs of infection.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Solutions for Tooth Nerve Pain

For mild to moderate tooth nerve pain, many people find effective relief with readily available over-the-counter medications. It is important to understand the different types and how they work to choose the best option for your symptoms.

NSAIDs: Ibuprofen and Naproxen

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are highly effective for dental pain because they not only relieve pain but also reduce inflammation. Inflammation around an irritated or exposed nerve is a major contributor to toothache pain, making these drugs a solid first choice.

Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin): Works relatively quickly and is a strong anti-inflammatory. Over-the-counter and prescription-strength options are available.
Naproxen (Aleve): A longer-lasting NSAID that provides relief for an extended period, making it potentially suitable for managing overnight pain. Like ibuprofen, it reduces pain and inflammation effectively.

Analgesics: Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a pain reliever that works on the central nervous system to block pain signals. Unlike NSAIDs, it does not reduce inflammation, but it is effective for general pain relief and may be a suitable option for those who cannot take NSAIDs due to stomach issues or other medical conditions.

Combined Therapy: Dentists often recommend alternating or combining doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen for enhanced pain management, especially for severe pain. You should never combine two different NSAIDs, but it is generally considered safe to combine an NSAID with acetaminophen under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Topical Anesthetics: Benzocaine

For targeted, temporary relief, topical gels and liquids containing benzocaine (Orajel, Anbesol) can be applied directly to the painful area. This provides a numbing effect by blocking nerve signals at the site of application. It is important to note that these are for short-term use and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cautions against using benzocaine for children under two years old.

Prescription Medications for Severe Dental Pain

When OTC medications are not sufficient, a dentist may prescribe stronger medications to manage severe nerve pain associated with infections, procedures, or other dental issues.

Potent Pain Relievers

Prescription-strength NSAIDs: A dentist can prescribe higher strengths of ibuprofen for more intense pain and inflammation.
Antibiotics: If the nerve pain is caused by a bacterial infection or an abscess, a dentist will prescribe antibiotics. These medications address the root cause of the pain, although it may take some time for them to start working effectively.
Corticosteroids: In specific cases of severe inflammation, such as after a root canal, a dentist might prescribe a short course of steroids to reduce swelling.
Opioids: Opioid painkillers like tramadol may be prescribed for severe, short-term pain, often following a dental procedure. However, due to risks of addiction and side effects, the CDC and ADA recommend NSAIDs as a primary treatment option, and opioids are used with caution.

Comparison of Common OTC Pain Relievers


Pain Reliever	Primary Action	Effectiveness for Inflammation	Speed of Relief	Duration of Relief	Best For
Ibuprofen (Advil)	Pain & Inflammation	High	Fast	Medium	Pain with swelling, throbbing
Naproxen (Aleve)	Pain & Inflammation	High	Medium	Long	Persistent pain with swelling
Acetaminophen (Tylenol)	Pain Relief	Low (none)	Medium	Medium	General pain without swelling, if NSAIDs are contraindicated

Complementary Home Remedies

While not a substitute for medication or professional dental care, several home remedies can provide temporary relief.

Saltwater Rinse: Swishing with warm salt water can act as a natural disinfectant, help clean the area, and reduce inflammation.
Cold Compress: Applying a cold compress or ice pack wrapped in a cloth to your cheek can numb the area and reduce swelling for 15–20 minutes at a time.
Clove Oil: Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural antiseptic and anesthetic. Dilute a few drops with a carrier oil (like olive oil) before applying it to the affected area with a cotton ball.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse: A diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse (one part 3% hydrogen peroxide to two parts water) can help kill bacteria, but it should never be swallowed.
Elevate Your Head: When lying down, prop your head up with extra pillows to prevent blood from pooling in your head, which can intensify throbbing pain.

The Critical Role of Professional Dental Care

It is crucial to remember that over-the-counter medications and home remedies only address the symptoms of tooth nerve pain. They do not fix the underlying problem, which could be a cavity, cracked tooth, or a serious infection. Prolonged self-treatment can mask a worsening condition, delaying necessary care.

When to See a Dentist

Pain that persists for more than a day or two
Severe, sharp, or throbbing pain
Fever, swelling in the face or jaw, or a bad taste in the mouth
Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Seeing a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment is the only way to achieve lasting relief and prevent further complications. During your appointment, the dentist can determine the root cause of your nerve pain and provide a definitive treatment, such as a filling, crown, or root canal.

Conclusion

For managing tooth nerve pain, initial relief can often be found with over-the-counter options like anti-inflammatory NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) and analgesics (acetaminophen), with NSAIDs being particularly effective when swelling is present. Combining ibuprofen with acetaminophen can provide stronger relief for severe cases. Topical anesthetics and home remedies like saltwater rinses and cold compresses can supplement oral medications. However, because medication offers only temporary symptomatic relief, professional dental care is always required to address the underlying cause and ensure long-term oral health.

Frequently Asked Questions

For nerve pain with swelling, NSAIDs like ibuprofen are generally more effective because they reduce inflammation. Acetaminophen is a good option for pain without inflammation or if you cannot take NSAIDs. For severe pain, a dentist may recommend alternating doses of both.

For fast relief, you can use a multi-step approach: take an oral medication like ibuprofen, apply a topical numbing gel containing benzocaine, and hold a cold compress to your cheek. This combination provides both internal and external relief.

Yes, topical gels containing benzocaine (like Orajel or Anbesol) can temporarily numb the surface of the gums and surrounding areas, providing targeted and immediate, though short-lived, relief.

Yes, combining or alternating doses of ibuprofen and acetaminophen is often recommended for severe dental pain, as they work differently to relieve discomfort. You should consult a healthcare provider for safe dosage recommendations and never combine two NSAIDs.

You should see a dentist if the pain is severe, lasts more than a day or two, or is accompanied by swelling, fever, or a foul taste. These can indicate a serious underlying problem like an infection that requires professional treatment.

Overuse of NSAIDs can lead to stomach ulcers and bleeding issues, while excessive acetaminophen can cause liver damage. It is crucial to follow dosage instructions and not take multiple medications without a healthcare provider's guidance, especially for prolonged periods.

Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural compound with anesthetic and antiseptic properties. It can be applied topically to the affected area with a cotton ball for temporary numbing and to help kill bacteria.

If tooth pain is from an infection, a dentist will need to prescribe antibiotics to clear the bacteria. In the meantime, alternating ibuprofen and acetaminophen can manage the pain and inflammation.

While opioids may be prescribed for severe, short-term pain, the ADA and CDC favor NSAIDs for dental pain due to lower efficacy and risks associated with opioids, including addiction. They should only be used as prescribed by a dentist.