Tooth pain can be continuous, throbbing, or acute and can cause even the toughest person to feel helpless. Many people in Pakistan depend on a combination of home remedies and prescription drugs to get relief from painful teeth, swollen gums, or post-surgical dental discomfort.
When oral pain strikes hard, pills are usually the fastest and most consistent approach to getting relief. Choosing the appropriate medication makes all the difference, whether it’s following a root canal, a damaged tooth, or gum irritation.
Trusted by doctors and utilized by patients all throughout Pakistan, these are twelve of the most successful toothache relievers available here.
1. Ansaid (Flurbiprofen)
Ansaid is a potent NSAID often prescribed to ease dental inflammation and pain. Dentists often recommend it after procedures such as root canals or surgical extractions, as it works by blocking prostaglandins—chemicals that trigger pain and swelling.
- Common Use: Post-root canal, deep fillings, gum edema
- Dosage: 100 mg taken once or twice daily after meals
- Side Effects: Nausea, vertigo, acidity if taken on an empty stomach
- Caution: Not suitable for people with kidney problems or stomach ulcers
2. Ponstan Forte (Mefenamic Acid)
Known all throughout Pakistan, Ponstan Forte is frequently used to ease extreme toothaches and inflammation. It is helpful for trauma, pain from fillings, or unexpected nerve exposure and produces fast effects.
- Common Use: Cavity pain, sudden severe pain following fillings
- Dosage: 500 mg every 8 hours
- Side Effects: Acid reflux, stomach pain, sleepiness
- Tip: Eat something before taking it to avoid stomach upset
3. Brufen (Ibuprofen)
Brufen is a well-known painkiller used for a variety of dental problems. It reduces both pain and swelling, making it ideal for sensitive gums, tooth extractions, or orthodontic pain.
- Common Use: General toothache, jaw soreness, gum inflammation
- Dosage: 400–600 mg every 6 to 8 hours
- Side Effects: Gas, nausea, headache
- Caution: Avoid if you have ulcers or stomach issues
4. Panadol Extra (Paracetamol + Caffeine)
Panadol Extra is a good OTC option for mild toothaches. The caffeine boosts the effect of paracetamol while keeping you alert. It’s a safer choice for those who can’t take NSAIDs.
- Common Use: Minor toothache, sensitivity, post-dental procedure pain
- Dosage: 1–2 tablets every 6 hours (max 8 tablets/day)
- Side Effects: Restlessness, insomnia, liver stress with overuse
- Tip: Avoid caffeine-containing drinks to prevent overstimulation
5. Ketorol (Ketorolac Tromethamine)
Ketorol is a strong prescription painkiller used for moderate to severe dental pain. It’s ideal after surgery or for extreme discomfort, but should not be used for more than 5 days continuously.
- Common Use: Impacted wisdom teeth, surgery pain, extractions
- Dosage: 10 mg every 6–8 hours (max 40 mg daily)
- Side Effects: Kidney stress, dizziness, ulcers
- How to Use: Take with food and water under a dentist’s guidance
6. Synflex (Naproxen Sodium)
Synflex provides long-lasting relief for chronic dental pain. Though it works more slowly than ibuprofen, its effects last longer, reducing the need for frequent dosing.
- Common Use: Chronic jaw soreness, persistent gum pain
- Dosage: 250–500 mg twice daily
- Side Effects: Constipation, bloating, mild headache
- Ideal For: Those who prefer less frequent medication
7. Cataflam (Diclofenac Potassium)
Cataflam acts fast and is especially helpful for sudden, sharp dental pain. It absorbs quickly and provides rapid relief.
- Common Use: Gum swelling, intense dental pain
- Dosage: 50 mg every 8 hours
- Side Effects: High blood pressure, nausea, digestive issues
- Caution: Avoid if you have gastrointestinal or heart conditions
8. Celecoxib (Celebrex)
A selective COX-2 inhibitor, Celecoxib is effective for dental pain and causes fewer stomach problems than traditional NSAIDs.
- Common Use: Gum inflammation, post-extraction pain, root canals
- Dosage: 100 mg twice daily or 200 mg once daily
- How to Use: Take with food to prevent stomach upset
- Benefits: Long-lasting relief with reduced gastric side effects
- Side Effects: Dizziness, bloating, gastric discomfort, high blood pressure
- Caution: Not suitable for people with heart issues; avoid mixing with other NSAIDs unless advised
9. Dolonex DT (Piroxicam Dispersible Tablets)
Dolonex DT dissolves quickly in the mouth and enters the bloodstream fast, making it suitable for post-surgical recovery and ongoing inflammation.
- Common Use: Post-surgery, gum pain and swelling
- Dosage: 20 mg once daily
- Side Effects: Mouth irritation, acidity, loss of appetite
- How to Use: Place the tablet on the tongue to dissolve, then swallow
10. Tramadol (Tramal)
Tramadol is an opioid-based painkiller used when over-the-counter medications don’t offer enough relief. It is prescribed for severe dental pain.
- Common Use: Extreme surgical pain or nerve-related discomfort
- Dosage: 50–100 mg every 6 hours (max 400 mg/day)
- Side Effects: Drowsiness, nausea, risk of dependence
- Caution: Only use under strict dentist supervision; not for long-term use
11. Flexon (Paracetamol + Ibuprofen)
Flexon combines two widely used pain relievers in one pill, making it more effective than taking them separately.
- Common Use: Moderate pain, post-filling soreness
- Dosage: 1 tablet every 8 hours
- Side Effects: Bloating, acidity, fatigue
- Tip: Don’t mix with other paracetamol or ibuprofen products
12. Myogesic (Paracetamol + Orphenadrine Citrate)
Myogenic is a muscle relaxant and pain reliever, helpful in cases where jaw stiffness or muscle tension causes or worsens dental pain.
- Common Use: TMJ disorders, jaw tension, grinding-related pain
- Dosage: 1 tablet every 8 hours
- Side Effects: Dry mouth, sleepiness, blurry vision
- Caution: Not suitable for people with glaucoma or urinary problems
Try These Natural Remedies Before Taking a Pill
Many Pakistanis still rely on these simple home remedies for mild dental discomfort:
Salt Water Rinse
Dissolve ½ teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water. Swish gently in your mouth to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Clove Oil
Clove contains eugenol, a natural numbing agent. Dab a little clove oil on a cotton swab and apply directly to the painful area.
Cold Compress
Wrap ice in a cloth and apply it to the cheek near the aching tooth. It numbs the pain and calms nerve activity.
Garlic Paste
Crushed garlic has antimicrobial properties. Apply a small amount near the painful tooth for temporary relief.
Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse
Mix equal parts of 3% hydrogen peroxide and water. Swish gently for 30 seconds, then spit out. It helps reduce gum infection and bacteria buildup.
