Dear Doctor;

I need to know which of diclofenac and ibuprofen painkillers is more harmful to health in the long run and in what way. I have bad dental and having lost five molars already, dentists are reluctant to extract anymore so I have to rely on root canal and the polishing.

However, I keep experiencing toothache from time to time which I relieve with painkillers. Diclofenac seems to be more effective for me than Ibuprofen but friends say it is more dangerous. Please help.

Nico, 36.

Dear Nico, 

Both ibuprofen and diclofenac belong to the group of NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Both are harmful and cause multiple short- and long-term side effects such as nausea, vomiting, peptic ulcer, bleeding and kidney toxicity. Hence, both should be avoided unless there is severe pain or inflammation in the body.

For recurrent dental problems, it would be better to take some antibiotic to control infection(because infection of the gums or dental root causes the pain) and a painkiller only for a short time. Apart from repeated root canal, dentist can be consulted for insertion of artificial tooth or dental implant.