Best medicine for a toothache
A curated shortlist, over-the-counter and prescription. Standing in the pharmacy aisle instead? The over-the-counter shelf for toothache (dental pain), product by product →
A toothache is usually a sign of a dental problem (most often a cavity, infection, or irritation around a tooth) and should be assessed by a dentist — but while you wait for an appointment, over-the-counter pain relievers, a topical numbing gel, and simple home care can ease the pain. Painkillers only treat the symptom; the underlying tooth problem still needs professional treatment to keep it from getting worse.
For options we rate, we show our independent FDA recall-safety rating(0–100) — a signal GoodRx and Drugs.com don’t provide. Higher is safer.
Over-the-counter options
Available without a prescription — follow each label.
Advil, Motrin NSAID (oral pain reliever) Our rating 72/100 | NHS-recommended first choice for dental pain; reduces both pain and the inflammation that drives toothache. Take with food and follow label dosing — never exceed the recommended dose. |
Tylenol Oral analgesic (called paracetamol in the UK) Our rating 70/100 | An NHS-recommended alternative to ibuprofen, useful if you can't take NSAIDs. Can be taken on its own; a dentist may advise alternating it with ibuprofen for stronger relief. |
benzocaine oral gel Orajel Topical oral anesthetic (numbing gel) | FDA-labeled for temporary relief of toothache pain; rubbed directly on the sore tooth or gum (label allows up to 4 times a day in adults and children 2 and older). Do NOT use in children under 2 — the FDA warns benzocaine can rarely cause methemoglobinemia, a dangerous blood-oxygen condition. Stop and ask a doctor or dentist if pain persists. |
sodium chloride (warm salt-water rinse) Saline mouth rinse (home remedy) | Dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water, swish, and spit (don't swallow). NHS lists this as a simple measure that can soothe irritation; not for young children who might swallow it. |
Prescription options
A doctor may prescribe these — not for self-treatment.
Amoxil Antibiotic (penicillin) Our rating 70/100 | A doctor or dentist may prescribe an antibiotic only when there is a spreading infection such as a dental abscess — usually alongside, not instead of, draining or treating the tooth. Antibiotics do not fix the tooth and are not a substitute for dental treatment; never self-treat a suspected abscess. |
dental local anesthetic / nerve block Injectable local anesthetic (e.g., lidocaine) | A dentist may use a local anesthetic injection during in-office treatment (filling, root canal, or extraction) to numb the tooth so the underlying cause can be fixed. |
Just want the drugstore answer?
If you are standing in the pharmacy aisle rather than deciding whether to see a clinician, our deeper page on what actually works over the counter for toothache (dental pain) takes each product one at a time: how strong the evidence is, the limits printed on its own label, and when an OTC product is the wrong answer entirely.
How to choose
For most toothaches, start with an OTC oral pain reliever: ibuprofen is the usual first pick because it tackles inflammation, while acetaminophen (Tylenol) is the alternative if you can't take NSAIDs or need something gentler on the stomach. A benzocaine numbing gel can be dabbed directly on the sore spot for short-term relief, and a warm salt-water rinse plus eating soft foods and avoiding very hot, cold, or sweet items can reduce flare-ups. Stick to the labeled dose — doubling up does not work better and can be dangerous. These steps are bridges to a dental visit, not a cure: the cavity, crack, or infection causing the pain still needs a dentist. Avoid benzocaine gel in children under 2, and don't give aspirin to anyone under 16.
When should I see a doctor?
See a dentist if a toothache lasts more than 1–2 days, is severe, or doesn't ease with painkillers, and especially if you have fever, earache, pain when biting or opening your mouth wide, red or swollen gums, a bad taste, or swelling of the cheek or jaw — these can signal an abscess or spreading infection that needs treatment (a dentist, not your regular doctor, handles most toothaches). Get emergency care right away (call 911 / go to the ER) if swelling spreads to your eye or neck, you have trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking, you can't open your mouth, or you develop a high fever and feel very unwell — these are signs of a serious, fast-spreading infection. If you're using a benzocaine gel and develop pale, gray, or blue-tinged skin or lips, headache, a racing heart, shortness of breath, or dizziness, stop and seek immediate medical attention.
Before you combine anything
Sources
General reference, not medical advice, and not a substitute for your doctor or pharmacist. The right choice depends on your symptoms, health conditions, age, and other medicines — always read each label and confirm before taking anything.