For years, our doctors have recommended that patients take a combination of Tylenol and Ibuprofen to counter the affects of dental pain. The combination of the two over-the-counter medications is extremely effective in fighting the swelling and pain associated with dental issues and has less negative side effects than prescription medications.

A recent article from WebMD.com focuses on a study published in the Journal of the American Dental Association that agrees. One of their co-authors states, "What we know is that prescribing narcotics should be a last resort," said study co-author Anita Aminoshariae, an associate professor at Case Western Reserve University's School of Dental Medicine, in Cleveland. She went on to say, "The best available data suggests that the use of non-steroidal medications [NSAIDs], with or without acetaminophen, offers the most favorable balance between benefits and harms, optimizing efficacy [effectiveness] while minimizing acute adverse events."

Here at Grand Avenue Dental Care we have been and continue to practice this philosophy and only prescribe prescription medications when necessary. If you are unable to take acetaminophen or ibuprofen you should speak to your doctor or dentist so that they can make an alternate recommendation for pain management. You also should not take acetaminophen (Tylenol) while consuming or after consuming alcohol. If you ever have any questions about your dental health or managing dental pain, please contact us!