1. Painkillers
• A dental abscess can be very painful, but you can use over-the-counter painkillers
such as ibuprofen or paracetamol from your local pharmacy to control the pain
while you are waiting to receive dental treatment.
• Always read and follow the information on the packet about how much to take and
how often, and do not exceed the maximum dose.
• Painkillers cannot treat or cure a dental abscess, so they should not be used to
delay dental treatment.

2. Follow the advice below to take painkillers safely:
• Do not take ibuprofen if you are asthmatic or if you have (or have ever had)
stomach ulcers.
• Do not take more than one painkiller at the same time without first checking with
your GP or other prescriber.
• Ibuprofen and paracetamol are both available as liquid preparations for children.
• Aspirin is not suitable for children under the age of 16.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take paracetamol.
• If your pain is particularly severe, your GP may prescribe a stronger painkiller, such
as codeine phosphate. Alternatively, if you have been taking a low-dose codeine
preparation, your GP may suggest increasing the dosage. However, do not increase
the dose of any painkiller unless your GP advises you to.