The strongest over-the-counter relief for toothache is a combination of ibuprofen and paracetamol. Taking 400mg of ibuprofen with 1000mg of paracetamol every six to eight hours is highly effective because they block pain through different pathways. For severe pain, a dentist may prescribe stronger nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or targeted treatments.

Commonly recommended options for managing dental pain include:

• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen): Often considered the first-line therapy as they reduce inflammation at the site of the pain.
• Paracetamol: Works centrally in the nervous system to block pain signals.
• Combination Therapy: Using both medications together provides superior relief for moderate to severe acute pain.
• Topical Gels: Numbing ointments can provide immediate, though very brief, surface-level relief.