What medication can be taken for wisdom tooth pain?

Generally, wisdom tooth pain is often caused by conditions such as pericoronitis or dental caries affecting the wisdom teeth. Common symptoms include redness and swelling of the gums, pain, and in severe cases, limited mouth opening. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, metronidazole tablets, amoxicillin capsules, cefuroxime axetil tablets, and compound chlorhexidine mouthwash for treatment. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Capsules

This medication belongs to the class of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). By inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, it exerts antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. It effectively relieves moderate pain and gingival inflammation caused by impacted wisdom teeth, reducing discomfort. It is suitable for conditions such as pericoronitis and pain during wisdom tooth eruption.

2. Metronidazole Tablets

A nitroimidazole-class antimicrobial agent, metronidazole exhibits potent antibacterial activity against most anaerobic bacteria. When wisdom tooth pain is accompanied by anaerobic bacterial infection, this drug can inhibit bacterial proliferation, control the spread of infection, and alleviate symptoms such as gum redness, swelling, and pain.

3. Amoxicillin Capsules

An antibiotic belonging to the penicillin class, amoxicillin works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, leading to bacterial death. It is effective against various Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria. It can be used for pain caused by bacterial infections related to wisdom teeth—for example, in cases of pericoronitis associated with bacterial infection—to help control inflammation.

4. Cefuroxime Axetil Tablets

A second-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, effective against both Gram-positive and certain Gram-negative bacteria. It can be used when wisdom tooth infection is evident and pain is severe. By eliminating pathogenic bacteria, it helps control infection and relieve pain and inflammation.

5. Compound Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

A combination formulation containing chlorhexidine and metronidazole, this mouthwash kills a wide range of oral bacteria and reduces bacterial growth in the mouth. When there is redness, swelling, or mild inflammation around the wisdom tooth, using this mouthwash can help clean the oral cavity, suppress local bacterial activity, and assist in relieving pain.

In daily life, maintain good oral hygiene by rinsing the mouth after meals and gently brushing teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Avoid chewing hard or overly sweet foods on the side of the wisdom tooth to minimize irritation to the surrounding gums. If pain recurs frequently or worsens, seek timely medical evaluation to determine the condition of the wisdom teeth and receive appropriate treatment accordingly.