Can ibuprofen relieve toothache?

　　Ibuprofen belongs to the class of antipyretic analgesics and is commonly available in tablets, capsules, and other dosage forms. Generally, ibuprofen can relieve toothache, especially for mild to moderate pain, with noticeable effects. However, it only temporarily alleviates symptoms and cannot address the underlying cause of the toothache. Detailed explanation is as follows:

　　Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that reduces inflammation in the teeth and surrounding tissues by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis. It also blocks the transmission of pain signals, thereby relieving toothache. It is effective for mild to moderate pain caused by dental caries, gingivitis, pulpitis, and similar conditions. Typically, the medication starts to work within 30 minutes to one hour after administration, and the pain relief can last for 4–6 hours. However, if the toothache is accompanied by significant gum swelling, loose teeth, or severe pain that affects eating, taking ibuprofen alone may not provide complete relief, and identifying the underlying cause is necessary.

　　Using ibuprofen to relieve toothache is a symptomatic treatment. If the toothache recurs frequently or lasts more than two days, the underlying cause should be promptly investigated. In daily life, maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing teeth in the morning and evening, rinsing after meals, reducing sugar intake, and decreasing the frequency of toothache episodes are recommended.