Can I take ibuprofen sustained-release capsules for toothache?

　　Ibuprofen sustained-release capsules can alleviate toothache-related pain and provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects; however, they only offer temporary symptom relief and cannot address the underlying dental pathology. Once pain subsides, the pathological lesion remains and may recur. Recurrent toothache accompanied by facial swelling warrants prompt medical evaluation and treatment of the dental condition.

　　Ibuprofen sustained-release capsules exert their effect by inhibiting the production of inflammatory mediators, thereby reducing pain and soft-tissue swelling associated with dental diseases. Discomfort caused by conditions such as pulpitis, apical periodontitis, or periodontal inflammation may be temporarily relieved following administration. However, this medication acts systemically on pain perception and does not eliminate intra-dental infection; dental caries and pulp inflammation will not resolve spontaneously with drug therapy alone.

　　When tooth pain occurs, identifying the precise source is the first priority. Dental caries should be managed with restorative (filling) treatment; pulp or apical lesions require root canal therapy; and periodontal issues necessitate professional cleaning and scaling. Patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal disorders should exercise caution when taking ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, as they may irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Prolonged or repeated use of analgesics to mask symptoms must be avoided, as this may allow oral disease to progress unchecked.

　　Maintain daily oral hygiene by thoroughly cleaning tooth surfaces and interdental spaces, and limit intake of sugary foods. Do not rely solely on medications to suppress tooth pain—seek timely evaluation and treatment from a dental specialist to address the root causes of dental pain comprehensively.