IS IT TIME TO RECONSIDER THE APPROACH TO DENTAL PAIN RELIEF?
A clinically proven nonprescription option for dental pain relief
Pain relief is a serious concern for dentists. Dental pain has been proven responsive to Aleve®, an OTC NSAID, at nonprescription strength.2-5 Aleve® is indicated for temporary relief of minor aches and pains, including minor arthritis pain, headache, muscle aches, and toothache.6
Multiple studies show that Aleve® is effective for relieving dental pain.2,7,8 Aleve® has proven efficacy, duration, and a similar median time to onset of action as acetaminophen plus codeine in dental pain,7 and a single-dose study shows opioid-free Aleve® was as strong* on pain as HYD+APAP and better tolerated.8 It is safe when used as directed,7 and multiple professional societies recommend NSAIDs for pain management.3-5 For years, Aleve® has been helping patients carry on with their daily activities relieved of minor pain.
*In hours 0 to 4 of a single-dose dental study of Aleve® (440 mg), HYD+APAP (10 mg + 650 mg), or placebo. Aleve® is indicated for minor aches and pains.6,8
References
Pain Medicine News. OTC NSAID Performs Better Than Opioid Combo Product in Wisdom Tooth Surgery. July 2022. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://www.painmedicinenews.com/Multimedia/Article/07-22/Aleve-Naproxen-Wisdom-Teeth-Surgery-Dental-Surgery-Dentists-Opioid-Crisis/67602
Kiersch TA, Halladay SC, Hormel PC. A single-dose, double-blind comparison of naproxen sodium, acetaminophen, and placebo in postoperative dental pain. Clin Ther. 1994;16(3):394-404.
American Dental Association announces new policy to combat opioid epidemic. News release. American Dental Association. March 26, 2018. Accessed October 16, 2025. https://www.ada.org/about/press-releases/2018-archives/american-dental-association-announces-new-policy-to-combat-opioid-epidemic
American Dental Association. Statement on the use of opioids in the treatment of dental pain. October 2016. Accessed October 16, 2025. https://www.ada.org/about/governance/current-policies#substanceusedisorders
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Opioid prescribing: acute and postoperative pain management; 2025. White Paper. Accessed October 9, 2025. https://aaoms.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/opioid_prescribing.pdf
Aleve® Caplets. Drug facts. Bayer HealthCare; January 2025.
Data on file.
Cooper SA, Desjardins PJ, Bertoch T, et al. Analgesic efficacy of naproxen sodium versus hydrocodone/acetaminophen in acute postsurgical dental pain: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Postgrad Med. 2021. doi:10.1080/00325481.2021.2008180