Steroids help reduce inflammation and may reduce dental pain alongside other treatments. People may take steroids before or after dental surgery or to help manage severe infections.

A dentist may prescribe steroids in certain cases of dental pain, such as tooth extractions, root canal surgery, abscesses, or gum disease. Steroids can help reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain.

Steroids can cause side effects, so it is important to take them as a healthcare professional prescribes.

This article looks at how and when steroids may help dental pain, types of steroids, side effects, how to take them, and other pain management tips.

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Steroids reduce the body’s inflammatory response to help lessen pain.

Inflammation causes the release of inflammatory mediators, which cause swelling by dilating blood vessels, increasing blood flow to the affected area, and promoting healing. Inflammatory mediators can irritate the nerves and trigger pain. Steroids reduce inflammatory mediators to help relieve pain.

Steroids do not treat the underlying cause of dental pain, so other treatments are important to properly treat the cause of the pain, rather than just the symptoms.

Steroids are not typically the first-line treatment for a general toothache or mild to moderate dental pain. According to the American Dental Association, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are generally the first-line treatment for acute dental pain.

However, as steroids target inflammation, healthcare professionals may prescribe steroids for managing dental pain caused by inflammation. This may occur with dental surgery, infections, or severe gum disease.

A dentist may prescribe steroids to manage pain following tooth extractions. People may have steroids during root canal surgery to help decrease inflammation and pain.

In severe cases, dentists may use steroids to treat periodontal disease to reduce inflammation, alongside other treatments such as scaling and root planing.

People may also have steroids before or after oral and maxillofacial surgery, which is surgery of the mouth, jaw, face, and neck. Steroids can help control inflammatory processes, pain, lockjaw, and swelling due to fluid retention.

If an infection is causing dental pain, antibiotics are generally the main treatment. People may also have surgery to drain an abscess. Steroids suppress the immune system, which may make it more difficult for the body to fight off an infection.

Doctors may prescribe steroids alongside antibiotics or surgery to help manage inflammation and prevent complications, such as swelling of the airways.

Steroid medications, which people may use to target dental pain, include:

People may take steroids before or after dental treatment, such as surgery. Before prescribing steroids for dental pain, a dentist will take a medical history to check for certain conditions, such as diabetes or osteoporosis, which may increase the risk of certain side effects with steroids.

It is important that people let a healthcare professional know of any medications they are taking. Certain drugs can interact with steroids, including NSAIDs, blood thinners, and diabetic medications.

A dentist will prescribe the lowest dose necessary, for the shortest time period, to help lessen side effects. It is important to take steroids exactly as a healthcare professional advises.

Where possible, a dentist may prescribe topical steroids to treat issues such as gum disease, rather than systemic steroids, which affect the whole body.

It is also important to gradually taper off steroids to help avoid withdrawal symptoms, particularly for long-term steroid use.

People will also need to attend regular check-ups whilst taking steroids, to check how well the drugs are working and monitor any side effects.

Other ways to help relieve dental pain while taking steroids may include:

  • eating soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow
  • avoiding foods that are sweet, very hot, or very cold
  • using a soft toothbrush and avoid flossing in the affected areas
  • practicing good oral hygiene to help prevent further problems
  • avoiding smoking, as this may worsen dental problems
  • rinsing the mouth with warm salt water

To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve half a teaspoon of salt in warm water. Rinse the mouth with the salt water, then spit the solution out without swallowing. Repeat as often as necessary.

People may also want to apply a cold compress to the affected area. Cold therapy constricts blood vessels to reduce swelling and inflammation to relieve pain.

Practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, visualization, and progressive muscle relaxation, may help reduce pain and inflammation.

People can talk with a healthcare professional if dental pain is still difficult to manage. It is important to check with a doctor before taking any other pain relief medication, such as NSAIDs, with steroids.

Side effects of steroids may include:

Long-term use of steroids may worsen side effects. Taking the lowest dose for the shortest time may help to minimize side effects.

Steroids can help reduce inflammation and pain for certain dental conditions.

Generally, steroids are not a first-line treatment for mild to moderate dental pain. However, people may take steroids to help manage dental pain due to inflammation, such as with dental surgery, tooth extractions, or severe infections.

Steroids can cause serious side effects, so it is important to take steroids exactly as a healthcare professional prescribes. Using the lowest dose necessary for the shortest time can help to lessen side effects.