What anti-inflammatory medication should be taken for tooth inflammation and pain?

Generally, tooth inflammation and pain are mostly caused by bacterial infections leading to inflammation of the gums and periodontal tissues. Common symptoms include redness and swelling of the gums, toothache, and intensified pain during chewing. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as metronidazole tablets, amoxicillin capsules, cefradine capsules, ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, and tinidazole tablets for treatment. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Metronidazole Tablets

This belongs to the nitroimidazole class of antibacterial drugs and has a potent killing effect against anaerobic bacteria in the oral cavity. It inhibits the proliferation of pathogenic anaerobic bacteria within periodontal pockets, reduces inflammatory responses, and alleviates gum swelling and pain. It is suitable for treating tooth inflammation and pain caused by periodontitis or pericoronitis of wisdom teeth due to anaerobic bacterial infections.

2. Amoxicillin Capsules

A penicillin-class antibiotic that exerts bactericidal effects by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis. It effectively eliminates Gram-positive bacteria and some Gram-negative bacteria in the mouth, controls the spread of infection, and promotes the resolution of gum inflammation. It is indicated for acute gingivitis and periodontitis with swelling and pain caused by bacterial infections.

3. Cefradine Capsules

A first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic with strong antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. It kills pathogenic bacteria by disrupting their cell walls, effectively controlling moderate tooth infections and reducing gum redness, swelling, and pain. It is suitable for patients with tooth inflammation and pain caused by bacterial infections who are allergic to penicillin.

4. Ibuprofen Sustained-Release Capsules

A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. It inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, thereby relieving redness, swelling, and pain caused by tooth inflammation and reducing patient discomfort. It is recommended for use when tooth pain and swelling are severe enough to affect chewing and rest, and can be used alongside antibiotics to help manage symptoms.

5. Tinidazole Tablets

Similar to metronidazole, this drug belongs to the nitroimidazole class and exhibits stronger antimicrobial activity against anaerobic bacteria. It rapidly kills periodontal pathogens and controls severe tooth inflammation caused by anaerobic bacterial infections, providing relief from intense swelling and pain. It is suitable for patients whose tooth inflammation and pain have not responded well to metronidazole or who have developed resistance to it.

In daily life, it is important to use a soft-bristled toothbrush and adopt proper brushing techniques, avoiding aggressive brushing that may damage the gums. Rinse the mouth after meals and use dental floss to clean between teeth to reduce food debris accumulation. Regular dental check-ups and professional cleaning should be performed to remove tartar. Avoid consuming spicy, very cold, or very hot foods to minimize irritation to the gums and prevent recurrence of tooth inflammation.