Tooth pain can result from a number of conditions inside the mouth. A broken or decayed tooth, food caught between teeth, wisdom tooth pain and gum ulcers can all cause mild-to-severe pain. This pain can interrupt day-to-day activities such as sleep, work, and eating, and can be all-the-more annoying when a dental appointment is some time away.
Painkillers are a good way of minimizing discomfort from tooth pain until a dentist can treat the cause. Various over-the-counter medications are available, such as local anesthetic gels like OraJel or anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen – Also known as Advil.
According to the firm’s website, Advil is the number-one-selling over-the-counter pain reliever. It comes in tablet form as well as caplets and gel caplets. In addition to treating tooth pain, it can also help relieve pain associated with headaches, menstrual cramps, muscular aches and can temporarily reduce fever symptoms.
Advil works thanks to its active ingredient – 200 mg of ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is an NSAID – Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug – a group of drugs which prevent inflammation without the use of steroids. Ibuprofen specifically works by preventing the production of substances in the body called prostaglandins. These are responsible for responding to illness or injury in the body. While prostaglandins can be helpful, their effects are not always pleasant; Prostaglandins will cause swelling and pain.
In the case of a toothache, ibuprofen helps to reduce pain in this way. When taken over the course of some weeks, inflammation is also reduced.
Dosage can vary depending on pain severity and the age of the person who is taking Advil. Above the age of 12, 1 or 2 tablets every 4 – 6 hours may be used depending on the level of pain, as long as 6 is not exceeded daily. For children under 12, a doctor should be consulted before the use of Advil. In addition, Ibuprofen, which Advil contains, should not be taken by people who:
- Are within the last three months of pregnancy
- Have had a peptic ulcer
- Are sensitive to any other NSAID such as Aspirin
- Have heart failure
Common side effects of Advil and ibuprofen can include nausea, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Click here for more information on side-effects, risks and dosage restrictions of ibuprofen.
Featured image: Depositphotos / CITAlliance
Posted on May 5, 2023