Side Effects of Pain Medication on Teeth

Many different medications are used to relieve dental pain. These include prescription and over-the-counter preparations, and anesthetic drugs used at home or by dental practitioners during surgical procedures. Common side effects of these drugs usually do not require medical attention. However, if they persist or if you feel uneasy, consult your prescribing physician for advice. If you experience any less common side effects, consult your health care professional immediately. For a comprehensive, up-to-date list of possible adverse reactions, contraindications and other important information, always read the user information leaflet that comes with your medication.

Non-Narcotic Analgesics

• Non-narcotic analgesics are the most commonly used drugs for the relief of toothache or pain following dental treatment, according to Rx List. Aspirin (including brand name Bayer), an aniline analgesic, is known for its blood-thinning action, which can be an advantage or a danger depending on the user's medical history. It can also irritate the stomach of some users. The potential adverse effects of ibuprofen (for example, Advil), a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug (or NSAID), are listed as nausea, dyspepsia, gastrointestinal ulceration or bleeding, raised liver enzymes, diarrhea, constipation, epistaxis, headache, dizziness, priapism, rash, salt and fluid retention, and hypertension. Paracetamol or acetaminophen (for example, Panadol) has the fewest side effects, but can sometimes cause stomach upset at recommended doses. It is not recommended for those suffering from alcoholism since it can make the liver of alcoholics more susceptible to damage, according to Health Guidance.

Corticosteroids

• Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications used to relieve discomfort, swelling and redness. Triamcinolone dental paste, sold under the brand names Oracort and Oralone, is applied topically. The possible side effects are burning, itching, irritation, dryness, redness and lightening of the skin. Some users may have an allergic reaction to triamcinolone, according to MedicineNet. The symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness and breathing trouble.

Narcotic Analgesics

• For severe pain, narcotic analgesics such as codeine (Tylenol with Codeine) and acetaminophen hydrocodone (Vicodin) may be given. Codeine users may experience constipation, a dry mouth, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, dizziness or drowsiness, headache, pinpoint pupils and sweating. Less-common side effects are seizures; difficulty breathing or wheezing; cold, clammy skin; slow or fast heartbeat; decreased ability to pass urine; confusion; severe rash; nervousness or restlessness; and lightheadedness or fainting spells. The most common side effects of acetaminophen hydrocodone are similar to those for codeine. Less-common adverse reactions include chest pain or irregular heartbeat, cold or clammy skin, difficulty breathing, wheezing, fever or chills, muscle aches or pains, severe rash, and unusual weakness.

Topical Anaesthetics

• Topical anesthetics are ointments, sprays or liquids used to prevent pain on the surface of the lining of the mouth. They are also used by dental practitioners during treatment to numb an area in preparation for an injectable local anesthetic. Commonly used topical anesthetics include the brand names Anbesol and Orajel. The lidocaine in Anbesol liquid is used to relieve oral pain caused by mouth ulcers, denture irritation and teething. Some users of Anbesol may experience ulceration at site of application. Common side effects of Orajel, also known by its generic name, benzocaine topical, are a mild stinging, burning, or itching where the medicine was applied, dry white flakes where the medicine was applied, and skin tenderness or redness. More serious (and far less common) reported adverse reactions include severe burning, stinging, or sensitivity where the medicine was applied; swelling, warmth or redness; headache; weakness; dizziness; breathing problems; fast heart rate; and gray- or bluish-colored skin.

Local Anesthetics

• Local anesthetics are injected into the deeper tissues of the mouth and work by inhibiting the impulses from pain-sensing nerves. They provide oral relief from procedures that involve drilling or the cutting of tissue, and should only be administered by a trained dental practitioner. Lidocaine hydrochloride and mepivacaine (Carbocaine) are commonly used local anesthetics that carry similar side effects. Most adverse reactions are the result of excessive dosage, rapid absorption, or reduced tolerance on the part of the patient, according to official FDA guidelines. The most commonly reported include central nervous system reactions (lightheadedness, dizziness, vomiting, confusion), drowsiness, cardiovascular manifestations (hypotension), neurologic (headache, weakness) and allergic reactions. Toxicity may result in drowsiness merging into unconsciousness and respiratory and/or cardiac arrest.