Toothaches are debilitating and painful, impacting everything from meals to bedtime. When relief is essential, Brufen 400 mg (ibuprofen) is one of the most popular over-the-counter painkillers. But is it truly effective, and is repeated dosing safe?
This in-depth guide investigates the efficacy, dosage, side effects, and substitutes for Brufen 400 mg when experiencing toothache so that you can make an effective and safe choice.
What Is Brufen 400 mg?
Brufen 400 mg is an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that contains the active ingredient ibuprofen. It’s commonly used to:
- Reduce inflammation
- Alleviate mild to moderate pain
- Lower fever
Brufen 400 functions by inhibiting prostaglandins, the hormone-like chemicals responsible for causing pain and inflammation.
Can Brufen 400 Help With Toothache?
Yes, Brufen 400 mg is extremely effective for toothache, particularly when the pain is due to:
- Tooth decay
- Gum infection (gingivitis or periodontitis)
- Dental abscess
- Post-surgical pain (e.g., after tooth extraction)
- Impacted wisdom teeth
How It Works
Ibuprofen decreases inflammation of the involved dental tissue, and in so doing, lessens the pressure and pain resulting from swelling. Ibuprofen also has an analgesic activity that offers relief of symptoms.
Dosage Guidelines for Toothache Relief
| Age Group | Dosage Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Adults (18+) | 400 mg every 6–8 hours, as needed |
| Maximum daily dose | 1200–1600 mg/day (OTC), or up to 2400 mg/day under doctor supervision |
| Take with food | To reduce the risk of stomach irritation |
Important: Brufen 400 mg should be used for short-term relief. If your toothache persists beyond 2–3 days, consult a dentist for evaluation and treatment.
Potential Side Effects of Brufen 400
Although Brufen is generally safe when used correctly, overuse or long-term use can lead to complications:
Common Side Effects:
- Upset stomach
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea or constipation
Serious Risks (especially with long-term use):
- Gastric ulcers
- Kidney damage
- High blood pressure
- Heart problems
- Liver issues
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, severe stomach pain, or black stools, seek immediate medical attention.
When Should You Avoid Brufen 400 mg?
Do not take Brufen if you have:
- A known allergy to ibuprofen or other NSAIDs
- History of stomach ulcers or GI bleeding
- Kidney or liver disease
- Heart conditions
- You’re pregnant, especially in the third trimester
Always consult a healthcare professional if you’re unsure.
How Long Does Brufen 400 Take to Work for Toothache?
Brufen usually starts working within 30–60 minutes after ingestion. The peak effect occurs around 1–2 hours, and relief can last for 4–6 hours.
For persistent pain, it can be taken up to three times daily, but never exceed the recommended daily limit.
Brufen vs. Other Painkillers for Toothache
| Painkiller | Effectiveness | Anti-inflammatory | Stomach Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brufen (Ibuprofen) | ✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅ | Moderate |
| Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) | ✅✅ | ❌ | High (safer stomach) |
| Diclofenac | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅ | Lower GI tolerance |
| Aspirin | ✅✅ | ✅✅ | Lower GI safety |
| Ketorolac | ✅✅✅✅ | ✅✅✅✅ | Prescription only |
Best Choice:
- Mild pain: Paracetamol
- Moderate to severe pain: Brufen or Diclofenac
- Post-dental surgery: Ibuprofen + Paracetamol (alternating doses)
Understanding the Root Cause of Toothache
Taking Brufen 400 mg may relieve pain, but it doesn’t treat the cause of the toothache. Common causes include:
- Dental Caries (Cavities) – Decay causing nerve exposure
- Pulpitis – Inflammation of the tooth pulp
- Abscess – Infection around the root or gum
- Fractured Tooth – Trauma or bite injury
- Gum Disease – Gingivitis or periodontitis
If left untreated, these conditions may worsen and lead to complications such as tooth loss or systemic infections.
Combining Brufen with Antibiotics
For infected teeth or abscesses, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics such as:
- Amoxicillin
- Metronidazole
- Clindamycin
Brufen helps with inflammation and pain, but only antibiotics can clear the infection.
Never self-prescribe antibiotics—consult a licensed dentist or physician.
Can You Combine Brufen with Other Painkillers?
Yes, under guidance:
- Brufen + Paracetamol: Effective combo with minimal interaction
- Brufen + Aspirin: Increases stomach bleeding risk
- Brufen + Other NSAIDs (e.g., Diclofenac): Avoid due to overdose risk
Always space doses appropriately (e.g., take Brufen, then Paracetamol after 4 hours) and consult a healthcare provider.
Dental Procedures vs. Brufen: Which Is Better Long-Term?
| Brufen Use | Dental Treatment |
|---|---|
| Short-term relief | Permanent solution |
| Doesn’t fix the cause | Treats underlying issue |
| Repeated use = side effects | One-time fix in most cases |
If your toothache is persistent, don’t rely on Brufen alone—schedule a dental appointment.
Natural Alternatives for Toothache
If you prefer not to take NSAIDs frequently, consider:
- Clove oil – Natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory
- Saltwater rinse – Reduces swelling and bacteria
- Cold compress – Numbs pain and reduces inflammation
- Hydrogen peroxide rinse – For infected gums
- Peppermint tea bags – Mild numbing effect
These remedies offer temporary relief, not a substitute for dental care.
FAQs: Brufen 400 for Toothache
Q1: How long can I take Brufen 400 for a toothache?
Use it for no more than 3 days unless advised by your doctor. Persistent pain means you need dental care.
Q2: Can Brufen 400 reduce swelling in gums?
Yes, Brufen is effective in reducing gum inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Q3: Is it safe to take Brufen 400 before a dental procedure?
Yes, dentists often recommend it pre- and post-procedure to manage inflammation. Always confirm with your provider.
Q4: Can Brufen 400 be used for a child’s toothache?
Brufen 400 mg is not recommended for children unless prescribed by a pediatrician. Pediatric doses vary.
Conclusion: Should You Use Brufen 400 for Toothache?
Yes—but wisely. Brufen 400 mg offers fast, effective relief from toothache and swelling. However, it’s a temporary fix, not a cure.
Key Takeaways:
- Effective for short-term relief of dental pain
- Take with food, and don’t exceed the dosage
- Avoid in certain medical conditions
- Not a substitute for proper dental treatment
- Combine with paracetamol (only if necessary) under guidance
- Visit a dentist if pain lasts more than 48 hours
Managing a toothache is about relieving pain now and preventing worse issues later. Use Brufen 400 as a helpful aid—but don’t skip the dentist’s chair.
