Mohn A, Maggitti A, Tripodi R, Chiarelli F, Cosi A, Tripodi D. Dental pain in children: pharmacological management. Eur J Paediatr Dent 2025; DOI: 10.23804/ejpd.2025.2190.

The combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen at fixed doses appears to be a viable option for dental pain treatment.

This review provided an overview of the management of dental pain in children with pulpitis. The literature investigation focused on the pharmacological management of paediatric pulpitis, including the treatment of associated complications. Dental pain represents a significant public health concern. Pain due to endodontic emergency is different in younger children and should be assessed with the use of an appropriate scale and treated with NSAIDs and/or acetaminophen. The combination of ibuprofen and acetaminophen at fixed doses appears to be a viable option for dental pain treatment; although, further randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are needed for confirmation. Antibiotics should only be used in cases involving local and/or systemic infectious complications. Opioids are not recommended for managing dental pain. Antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary only in selected cases and should not overshadow primary prevention, which remains the only true option for reducing the development of dental complications. Antibiotic stewardship programmes could play a significant role in reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions.