Teresa Carr writes for Consumer Reports on the best drugs to treat dental pain. Hint: Avoid opioids. Percocet, Oxycontin, Codeine, and Vicodin are highly addictive and, for the most part, not as good at relieving pain as over-the-counter medicines. Advil and Motrin (ibuprofen) and Aleve (naproxen) are often more effective and come with fewer side effects.
People continue to die of opioid overdoses. In fact, last year, 31 percent more people died of an opioid overdose than in 2019. The Sackler family just settled a major lawsuit against Purdue for its responsibility in fueling the opioid crisis, essentially promoting opioids as safe pain relief when over-the-counter medicines would be as effective and non-addictive.
Back in July, several state attorneys general settled a lawsuit against a series of companies that distribute prescription drugs, including McKesson, Cardinal Health and AmerisourceBergen. Johnson & Johnson was also a defendant. They had been charged with significant responsibility for the opioid epidemic in the US. Interestingly, the health insurers, who claim to “manage” people’s care, got off easy, even though the buck stopped with them–they could have denied coverage for opioids except in the most limited of circumstances, as insurers in Germany did.
Many people do not realize that dentists have been one of the biggest prescribers of opioids. They have also been far more responsible for opioid overdoses–two and a half times more responsible–than other prescribers of opioids, according to one recent analysis published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. (N.B. Keep in mind that sometimes dentists perform costly dental procedures that you might not need. Dental fraud is more common than you might think. So, try to get a second opinion before getting dental surgery.)
The researchers found that dentists prescribed an opioid to more than one in four people, including teenagers, who received dental surgeries between 2011 and 2018. Millions of people who visited the dentist ended up filling opioid prescriptions. And, nearly six in 10,000 overdosed. The researchers posited that we would see 1,700 fewer opioid overdoses each year if dentists stopped prescribing opioids.
People with Medicare often do not get to see a dentist because Medicare does not cover dental care and the costs can be prohibitive. But, Congress is working on legislation that is likely to add a dental benefit to Medicare. It should make it easier for older people and people with disabilities to see a dentist.
When you go to the dentist, keep in mind that there’s generally no need for you to take opioids to relieve dental pain. Over-the-counter medicines are safer and as or more effective than opioids for the majority of people. Drugs like Advil and Aleve are able to keep your gums from swelling. And, Tylenol keeps you from feeling pain.
Side effects from over-the-counter drugs are also fewer and milder than side effects from opioids. In addition to being addictive, opioids can cause drowsiness, constipation and nausea.
Talk to your doctor about the drugs you need to relieve any pain you might have from dental care. Remember that even over-the-counter medicines should not be taken in excess. And, if an opioid is warranted because of the intensity of the pain from your dental procedure, make sure to limit your use to what’s needed. Generally, you should be over the harsh pain in two or three days and can then switch to Advil or Tylenol if you still need some pain relief.
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