11 best remedies for toothache

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

An interesting study was carried out once. Ordinary people were told that if they had to endure an attack of pain, what kind of pain in localization did they choose: headache, pain in the joints, in the abdomen, in the heart, or toothache? None of the 150 interviewed people chose toothache, and this despite the fact that the intensity of pain under the conditions would be the same. A person has a special relationship to toothache. The fairytale character 'Tooth Fairy' is a clear proof of this, because there is no other fairytale hero dedicated to a body part.

The thing is that toothache has specific features. Any pain syndrome can occur either as a result of trauma, or as a result of inflammation, or when the mechanisms of the very perception of pain are perverted. In the latter case, we will talk about the so-called neuropathic pain, and an example would be trigeminal neuralgia. But it is not included in the subject of consideration.

But traumatic, and especially inflammatory pain is characteristic of diseases of the dentition. Nerves that penetrate the canals in the roots of the teeth can very quickly be compressed by inflamed tissues, which cannot expand as the inflammation occurs in very narrow canals. The high pressure of the swollen tissues leads to a particularly intense and unpleasant pain sensation, which can be either constant or paroxysmal.

The most acute toothache, or odontalgia, occurs most often with two diseases. This is pulpitis, or the continuation of caries. With pulpitis, the infectious process spreads into the cavity of the tooth, and the nerve becomes involved in an inflammatory reaction. The second reason is periodontitis. In this case, the infection spreads beyond the limits of the tooth, and at the same time, closed purulent foci are formed next to its roots. These are called periodontal abscesses. It is in this case that very painful, pulling and aching sensations arise, from which the only correct way to get rid of is an urgent visit to the dentist.

Medicines that have a strong analgesic effect are indicated for the relief or relief of toothache. Naturally, they do not in any way replace a doctor's appointment, but they can significantly improve the patient's well-being in anticipation of this appointment, as well as after dental procedures. This rating includes drugs with pronounced analgesic activity, which are anti-inflammatory drugs, both monocomponent and combined, as well as local drugs that are applied directly to a diseased tooth, in a carious cavity, or on the gum area.

What medications are not desirable to use

There are many drugs from different groups that are used to relieve pain of various origins, but they cannot be suitable for toothache. For example, such drugs include Validol, Papaverine, No-shpa. Validol can reduce pain in the region of the heart due to the reflex effect caused by the cooling effect of menthol. No-shpa, or drotaverine, is a myotropic antispasmodic and reduces pain associated with smooth muscle spasm. Therefore, No-shpa can help with renal colic, with exacerbation of cholecystitis and pancreatitis, with spastic colitis, and with other similar conditions, so where there is the musculature of the internal organs. The same can be said for such a serious drug as Bral.

It would be unwise to use these medicines to relieve a toothache, since there is no muscle in the teeth. Therefore, the most important drugs for the relief of toothache are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which help reduce the symptoms of inflammation and swelling. The greatest analgesic activity is possessed by drugs based on ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and ketorolac. Therefore, we will start with them the rating of remedies for toothache. Average retail prices for all drugs are for the end of 2018.

Rating of the best remedies for toothache

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
The best mono-ingredient anti-inflammatories	1	Ketanov – ketorolac (Dolak, Ketokam, Ketorol, Ketofril)	RUB 49
	2	Ketonal – ketoprofen (Flamax)	RUB 101
	3	Nurofen (ibuprofen)	RUB 87
	4	Nimesil – nimesulide (Nise, Nemulex)	268 r
	5	Dexalgin	217 r
The best combined NSAIDs for toothache	1	Tempalgin	112 RUB
	2	Ibuklin	RUB 119
	3	Askofen-P (caffeine, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid)	28 RUB
Top Topical Medicines for Toothache	1	Lidocaine	RUB 23
	2	Kamistad – gel	259 r
	3	Metrogyl – denta	216 r

The best mono-ingredient anti-inflammatories

Any inflammation, including in the soft tissues surrounding the tooth, develops in certain stages. Medicines from this group suppress inflammation at the stage of exudation, and together have three types of therapeutic effect. It is antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Drugs to reduce fever and fever, such as aspirin and other acetylsalicylic acid derivatives, are unlikely to help here, since the person needs to reduce pain as quickly as possible. The anti-inflammatory effect is a good thing, since in the end it will help to reduce edema, and, consequently, reduce pathological pain impulses. But the anti-inflammatory effect does not develop immediately, but after a few hours, or even after a day. Therefore, it is necessary first to consider those drugs in which the analgesic effect is in the first place.

Ketanov – ketorolac (Dolak, Ketokam, Ketorol, Ketofril)

Rating: 4.9

Ketorolac is the undisputed leader among the analgesics sold everywhere. It is currently sold by prescription, but in some cases, it can be purchased for free, although this would be a clear violation on the part of the pharmacy. Ketanov belongs to the derivatives of acetic acid, has a strong analgesic activity. In some cases, it may even be comparable to opioid analgesics such as tramadol. But at the same time it is not an agonist of opiate receptors, does not impair the function of central respiration, does not cause drowsiness, euphoria and drug dependence.

Ketanov is produced in tablets and ampoules for intramuscular administration. It must be used one tablet at a time in case of severe pain, the reception can be repeated if the severity of pain has not decreased within 2 hours. At the same time, four tablets per day for an adult is the maximum dose, and under no circumstances should Ketans be taken longer than 5 days. In the event that there are no tablets, then you can purchase a pack of ampoules of one milliliter. If you drink the contents of one ampoule diluted in water, the analgesic effect will be the same. Ketanov is produced by the Indian company San, and a small pack of 10 tablets is very inexpensive – around 60 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Ketanov is its pronounced analgesic effect. In almost any case, significant relief of toothache is observed, and sometimes in an hour or even less it completely disappears. Unfortunately, it is high activity that is its disadvantage, especially among males. It is known that it is men who are most often afraid to go to the dentist, and after the toothache completely disappears, the desire to visit the dental office begins to weaken.

The next day, there is a great temptation to take the pills again, and then this situation continues for a week. The tooth stops hurting, but the inflammatory process progresses without pain. In addition, Ketanov has many side effects and contraindications. It is not used in children, pregnant and lactating women, it is able to reduce blood clotting and increase vascular permeability. Therefore, in the event that you made an appointment with a dentist – surgeon, but the next day, due to an improvement in your condition, you did not go to him, and continued taking Ketanov, then in a few days the doctor may have to cope with the bleeding. It is not recommended to take Ketanov for more than 5 days due to its hepatotoxicity, that is, a negative effect on the liver. But still, being taken according to the indications and a short course, it will provide you with invaluable service, and the toothache may disappear altogether.

Ketonal – ketoprofen (Flamax)

Rating: 4.8

The next drug in this group will be ketoprofen. It has a consonant name with the previous one, but Ketonal and Ketans should not be confused. These are two different remedies. Unlike ketorolac, ketoprofen's activity is slightly shifted towards the anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, it relieves pain a little less than Ketanov, but at the same time it reduces the severity of inflammation and relieves painful swelling and puffiness. It is prescribed not only for the treatment of toothache, but also for postoperative pain, which can be quite severe, for various rheumatic diseases and lesions of the connective tissue, for acute arthritis.

Ketonal is produced in capsules of 100 mg, each capsule contains 60 mg of the active ingredient. It is necessary to take Ketonal one capsule 3 times a day, but not more than 6 capsules a day. Ketonal is produced in capsules by the Slovak company Lek. A package containing 25 capsules is inexpensive, around 105 rubles. In addition, the drug is available in coated tablets, as well as in a solution for intramuscular and intravenous administration and in rectal suppositories, and the cost of a package of 12 suppositories of the same dosage is 267 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Ketonal is its high European quality, low price and complex action of both anesthetic and anti-inflammatory drugs. It is also convenient that, unlike Ketanov, ketoprofen is available not only in capsules and tablets, but also in suppositories. On the other hand, it is contraindicated for use in exacerbation of gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, with bleeding, with bronchial asthma, in pregnant and lactating women, as well as in children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Side effects sometimes cause nausea, bloating, decreased appetite, and abdominal discomfort. It should not be used together with other products from the same group.

Nurofen (ibuprofen)

Rating: 4.7

This drug, like other ibuprofen analogues, acts more mildly, and therefore is indicated for the relief of moderate pain syndrome in dental practice. Nurofen also has not only analgesic, but also anti-inflammatory effect. The agent belongs to the derivatives of propionic acid, and is also widely used in neurology and therapy. In addition to toothache, it can be used for migraines, for pathology of the musculoskeletal system, as well as for febrile conditions, since ibuprofen can also have a slight antipyretic effect. It is indicated even for painful periods.

Nurofen is produced both in the form of film-coated tablets and in the form of effervescent tablets, which dissolve in a glass of water and act faster. Therefore, in acute pain syndrome, this form of the drug is preferable. For adults it is necessary to use 1 effervescent tablet of 200 mg, 3 to 4 times a day. The maximum permissible daily dose for adults is 800 mg per day, that is, 2 tablets four times a day. The Italian company Reckitt Benziker produces Nurofen in the form of effervescent tablets, and the cost of one package of 10 tablets on average costs 100 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

A big plus of Nurofen will be the abundance of indications for use, and therefore the packaging of this product will never be superfluous in the home medicine cabinet. At the same time, it must be borne in mind that it is contraindicated in case of aspirin intolerance, in bronchial asthma in combination with nasal polyposis, in exacerbation of gastric ulcer, and in severe liver and kidney damage. It should not be used in pregnant women, as well as in children under the age of six. But on the other hand, if a toothache is combined with edema, facial asymmetry, then Nurofen is a good choice that can reduce the severity of pain.

Nimesil – nimesulide (Nise, Nemulex)

Rating: 4.7

Nimesil is another good analgesic anti-inflammatory drug that works mildly and can bring comfort to a patient with mild toothache. This drug also belongs to the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, in pharmacies it is sold in sachets, 100 mg of the active ingredient, and the balance between the analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect is uniform. Therefore, it can be successfully used in the event that, due to the inflammatory process, for example, exacerbation of chronic periodontitis, the patient has general manifestations: malaise, slight subfebrile temperature, headache.

In addition to toothache, Nimesil will also be useful for the defeat of the musculoskeletal system, pain in the lower back, in the muscles, as well as painful periods. The contents of the bag are dissolved in half a glass of warm water and drunk after meals. You should take no more than 2 sachets per day, and the maximum course of treatment should not exceed 2 weeks. But usually, in case of toothache, it is literally about one or two days of admission. Nimesil is produced by the well-known German company Berlin Chemie (Menarini group), and one small package of 9 packages costs an average of 320 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Nimesulide acts quickly, since it is not taken in tablet form, but in solution. Also, a big plus is the opportunity to purchase one or two sachets separately in some pharmacies, and the price of each one fluctuates within no more than 40 rubles. But at the same time, Nimesil and its analogues have common contraindications, like all NSAIDs. These are aspirin intolerance, hypersensitivity, inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, peptic ulcer and 12 duodenal ulcer, exacerbation of chronic gastritis, especially in an erosive form. Also, Nimesil is contraindicated in severe liver damage, as well as in violation of blood clotting with a tendency to hemorrhage and bleeding. It should not be used in children under 12 years of age, as well as in pregnant and lactating women. Of the side effects, symptoms such as allergic itching and rash most often occur, but not more often than in one percent of cases: the most common are nausea, loose stools, and abdominal discomfort. But, as a rule, these side effects are associated with high dosages. In the event that Nimesil is taken according to indications and in a dosage not exceeding 2 packets per day, and the course of administration is not longer than 3 days, then usually no unpleasant symptoms arise.

Dexalgin

Rating: 4.6

Dexketoprofen is a modified molecule of ketoprofen, i.e. ketonal. The advantage of Dexalgin is its powerful analgesic effect, which lasts for a short time, but comes very quickly. Within 30 minutes after administration, a significant reduction in toothache occurs, and this effect lasts, on average, 4-6 hours, maximum – 8. Dexalgin is highly recommended immediately before the dentist's appointment (30 minutes).

Dexalgin is available in granules that are used to prepare a solution. One sachet contains 25 mg of the drug. The average dosage for severe toothache is one sachet 3 times a day every 8 hours, but no more than 3 sachets daily. The duration of admission should not exceed 5 days without a doctor's prescription. Dexalgin is produced by the Berlin-Chemie Menarini company, and a package of 10 sachets, designed for a three-day reception, costs an average of 385 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Dexalgin will be the ability to quickly reduce pain syndrome and protect yourself from painful discomfort if you decide to go to the dentist. The disadvantage of the drug is the continuation of its dignity – short action. In the event that you want to protect yourself from toothache at night, then you should not take Dexalgin, since it will, of course, help you fall asleep, but its effect will weaken by morning. Also, the drug has general contraindications common to ketoprofen and all NSAIDs. These are increased bleeding, ulcerative gastritis, aspirin asthma, severe liver and kidney damage, pregnancy, childhood and breastfeeding.

The best combined NSAIDs for toothache

In addition to mono-component drugs, which contain only one active ingredient, multicomponent drugs are used in the treatment of toothache. In addition to the anesthetic base, they also contain additional ingredients that have one or another effect. In some cases it is a tonic effect, in some it is a calming effect, in some it is antiallergic. Consider the most commonly used drugs that can reduce the severity of pain in dentistry.

Tempalgin

Rating: 4.9

Tempalgin is quite often prescribed by dentists after various manipulations, and its basis is sodium metamizole, or Analgin. But a component is added to the analgin that has an anxiolytic effect. Anxiolytics are drugs that reduce anxiety, relax, and have a tranquilizing effect. In the event that the patient is going to visit the dentist, this effect is often necessary. The anxiolytic component enhances the pain-relieving effect of analgin as it alters the mental perception of pain. Tempalgin is produced in tablets, each of which contains 500 mg of sodium metamizole and 20 mg of an anxiolytic component with the complex name 3-acetone aminotoluenesulfonate.

To use Tempalgin with an average severe pain syndrome, you need one tablet from 1 to 3 times a day, but not more than 4 times a day. It is also recommended to take one tablet half an hour before the visit to the dentist. This will allow you to calm down and focus. Tempalgin is produced by the Bulgarian company Sopharma, and one small pack of 10 tablets costs, on average, 120 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Anxiolytic effect is the main advantage of this remedy. Analgin itself is a rather weak analgesic drug, but if the toothache is not severe, then Tempalgin is able to reduce the perception of its intensity and calm the patient. Also, this tool has a very affordable price and good portability. The only thing to remember is that there are general contraindications to the use of NSAIDs. These include renal and hepatic failure, oppression of hematopoiesis. Analgin can cause a deterioration in white blood counts with prolonged use in high doses (induction of agranulocytosis). Tempalgin is contraindicated for use in children. In the event that it is used in a short course for one or two days before the dentist appointment, then it is usually well tolerated.

Ibuklin

Rating: 4.8

Ibuklin is a combination of two active ingredients, which alone also work quite well. These are ibuprofen and paracetamol, which are in one capsule in almost equal proportions: ibuprofen 400 mg, and paracetamol 325 mg. This ratio allows them to mutually reinforce each other. Ibuklin is successfully prescribed not only for toothache, but also for various other pain syndromes, ranging from injuries, headaches, joint pain, and ending with aches throughout the body with the flu.

Ibuklin is prescribed before or after meals, one tablet three times a day. It is not recommended to exceed this dosage: three tablets is the maximum daily dose. The official instructions impose a limit on the duration of use as an anesthetic for no more than 5 days. But in dental practice with acute toothache, a long course of treatment is not required. Ibuklin is produced by the Indian company Dr. Reddis, and one pack of 10 tablets has a low price – 160 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Ibuklin has a quick effect (45 minutes after administration), it can be used for many pain conditions. However, Ibuklin is only intended to relieve symptoms. It does not affect the course of the disease in any way, it is not able to cope with a microbial infection, and if there is pus, it will not help, since it does not have an antimicrobial effect. Actually, the situation is exactly the same with all the other anti-inflammatory drugs discussed above. But it is in the official instructions to Ibuklin that this is especially indicated.

Ibuklin has exactly the same contraindications as in other cases: erosive gastritis, reduced blood clotting, peptic ulcer, aspirin intolerance, severe liver and kidney damage, pregnancy and age up to 18 years. But usually one or two days of taking this drug significantly improves the quality of life, and allows you to safely go to the dentist's office.

Askofen-P (caffeine, paracetamol, acetylsalicylic acid)

Rating: 4.8

Finally, in conclusion, a review of combined drugs from the NSAID group, of which there are a great many, can be called a simple Askofen-P. It contains aspirin, i.e. acetylsalicylic acid, caffeine and paracetamol. It relieves pain, but it is indicated for mild pain syndrome. This situation can arise during a planned visit to the dentist, as well as during the day after the manipulation. Also, the drug is indicated for other syndromes and for pains of a different etiology, for example, with neuralgia, muscle pain, sprains, and back pain.

Askofen-P is produced in tablets, and in case of toothache, it must be used one or two tablets two or three times a day, but no more than 6 tablets. It is recommended to take the tablets after meals, and drink them with mineral water or milk. This requirement makes it possible to reduce the irritant effect of caffeine on the gastrointestinal tract. Askofen-P is produced by the domestic manufacturer Pharmstandard, one pack of 10 tablets costs only 35 rubles. This is the lowest price in the ranking of toothache remedies.

Advantages and disadvantages

A big plus of Askofen-P will be its low cost, prevalence in pharmacies of any form of ownership, as well as a tonic effect due to caffeine. But on the other hand, it cannot be used for general contraindications to the appointment of NSAIDs, which you can read above from the description for any drug. There may also be side effects associated with the influence of components. These are abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, nausea, decreased appetite, or skin rash.

In some cases, overdose symptoms are possible, which will manifest as sweating, pale skin, frequent heart contractions and tinnitus. In this case, it is necessary to take activated charcoal and call an ambulance to wash the stomach. But such symptoms are very rare, only when used incorrectly. After all, Askofen is a drug that works comfortably only with a mild pain syndrome, and if a person has a severe toothache, then he needs another remedy: for example, Ketanov or Dexalgin.

Top Topical Medicines for Toothache

You can achieve an analgesic effect much faster if you combine the intake of tablets with local drugs. The simplest of them, which can be considered popular and very inexpensive, is to rinse your mouth several times a day with a salt solution. Sodium draws water out of the tissue, and therefore hypertonic saline helps reduce swelling, reduces pressure on the nerve, and relieves pain. But there are other topical drugs that either act directly on receptors or have antimicrobial action.

Lidocaine

Rating: 4.9

Everyone knows the magical effect of local anesthetics. If you hurt your finger, then it is worth splashing a solution of novocaine or lidocaine on it, then the finger seems to freeze, and the pain disappears completely. You can do the same with a bad tooth. The only condition in which lidocaine can help is the presence of a cavity in the tooth so that lidocaine reaches the nerve endings and soft tissue receptors. To do this, moisten the gauze turunda with a solution of 2% lidocaine, and carefully place it in the tooth cavity. For this purpose, it is not recommended to take cotton balls, since the cotton ball is sometimes removed with great difficulty, and partially remain in the tooth cavity. For this, you can successfully apply Lidocaine, which is sold in ampoules, at a concentration of 2%. Its cost is only 40 rubles. for a pack of 10 ampoules, and Lidocaine is produced by the domestic company Grotex.

Advantages and disadvantages

This method significantly reduces the severity of toothache, but does not always work. If there is no cavity in the tooth, it is not applicable. The advantage is the availability of lidocaine, its cheapness, but it is quite bitter, and this is a disadvantage, it can 'freeze' the cheek, and as a result, the tongue can often be bitten. Those side effects and contraindications, which are described in detail in the instructions, relate to parenteral administration, for example, intravenous administration. It is then that side effects such as depression of the central nervous system, impaired cardiac conduction, nausea, a feeling of heat and other side effects can develop. In the case when Lidocaine is applied in very small dosages topically, as a rule, no side effects occur.

Kamistad – gel

Rating: 4.8

Kamistad is also a topical preparation containing lidocaine. But besides this, it includes an antiseptic in the form of an extract of chamomile flowers. Kamistad is produced in the form of a gel. This consistency allows it to penetrate deeply into tissue when applied to the oral mucosa or gums. Unlike a simple solution of lidocaine, which can only be used in the event of a defect in the tooth surface in order to get inside, Kamistad – gel is successfully prescribed if toothache is combined with gingivitis, stomatitis, as well as teething in children. For use, it is necessary to squeeze out a strip 5 mm long, and apply to the painful areas of the gums that are next to the diseased tooth. After that, with light massaging movements, this gel is rubbed into the desired place. Kamistad-gel is produced by the German company Stada, and the cost of one tube of 10 grams is 310 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

The advantage of Kamistad will be the ability to influence the inflammatory processes of superficially lying soft tissues, but in the event that the source of pain is the deep-lying structures of molars, it is unlikely to help. But in the event that the patient has a lesion of the gums, there are symptoms of stomatitis, or a toothache occurs due to the initial fitting of dentures, then this gel will be irreplaceable.

Metrogyl – denta

Rating: 4.7

Another very popular dental gel is Metrogyl Denta. This is the only drug from the rating of remedies for toothache that contains an antimicrobial component – metronidazole. The second active ingredient is chlorhexidine antiseptic. Metronidazole is especially effective against anaerobic flora, while chlorhexidine helps against both gram-positive and gram-negative microbes. This gel is indicated in the complex therapy of various diseases of the oral cavity. It does not have a direct analgesic effect, but if the patient has any infectious process of soft tissues, then it can prevent its spread to the gingival pockets of adjacent teeth, and stop the further development of the infection.

It is necessary to apply it, we spread it with a thin layer on the affected area of ​​the gums, followed by lightly rubbing the fingers. Apply Metrogyl gel 2 times a day. Also, this tool is used after tooth extraction. In this case, the patient usually experiences moderate pain, but this does not hurt to treat the tooth socket with gel 3 times a day for a week. It's safe, but you shouldn't swallow it anyway, as metronidazole can lead to toxic symptoms such as nausea and vomiting. One tube weighing 20 g costs 270 rubles, and the Indian company Unique produces Metrogyl Denta.

Advantages and disadvantages

The disadvantage of this Gel is the inability to relieve pain in the patient if there is a deep-lying focus of inflammation that has nothing to do with the gums and oral mucosa. But even in this case, this tool will be an excellent opportunity to prevent the development of infection. In the event that the patient uses Metrogyl Denta while waiting for the first appointment with the dentist, then this risk is significantly reduced. In addition, Metrogyl Denta has a very pleasant, refreshing taste.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.