Pulpitis: Can ibuprofen be applied topically on the tooth for pain relief?

Applying ibuprofen topically on the tooth does not directly relieve pain caused by pulpitis, as ibuprofen is primarily administered orally. Its therapeutic mechanism works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins in the body, thereby achieving antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects. For pain caused by pulpitis, ibuprofen can be used as an oral pain reliever to temporarily alleviate pain symptoms, but it cannot cure pulpitis. Regarding the treatment of pulpitis, comprehensive measures should be taken, including: under a doctor's guidance, oral administration of analgesics such as ibuprofen and antibiotics to control infection and alleviate pain. However, it should be noted that medication treatment is only auxiliary. The definitive treatment for pulpitis involves dental procedures such as root canal treatment under medical supervision, aimed at removing infected pulp tissue, preserving the affected tooth, and restoring its function. Therefore, patients with pulpitis should not attempt to apply ibuprofen directly onto the teeth for pain relief, but should follow standard treatment protocols as advised by their doctors.