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Can you take meloxicam for tooth pain?

Learn when meloxicam may be prescribed for tooth pain instead of other NSAIDs
Wendy Wisner
By | Feb. 11, 2025 Medically reviewed by Leslie Greenberg, MD
A prescription pad and a prescription bottle: Can you take meloxicam for tooth pain?

Key takeaways

  • Meloxicam is a prescription NSAID medication that’s primarily used to treat joint pain from arthritis and osteoarthritis.

  • Although meloxicam is not typically prescribed to treat tooth pain, some dentists and physicians prescribe it when there is serious inflammation or pain.

  • Meloxicam may be prescribed after oral surgery or in cases of abscesses, severe gum disease, or advanced dental infections.

In this article:

Meloxicam, sold under the brand name Mobic, is a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. It is also used off-label (for a use not approved by the Food and Drug Administration) to treat ankylosing spondylitis. Meloxicam is a stronger painkiller than other NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen. It also lasts for a longer period of time and is used once daily rather than every six hours like other analgesics.

Since ibuprofen is typically recommended for tooth pain, you may wonder if meloxicam is as well. Here’s what you need to know.  

Is meloxicam effective for tooth pain? 

Meloxicam can be taken to decrease tooth pain in certain situations, but it isn’t typically the first choice dentists consider. 

“Over-the-counter (OTC) NSAIDs like ibuprofen are more commonly recommended for tooth pain because they are equally effective, easier to access, and better studied for dental conditions,” says Randy Kunik, DDS at Kunik Orthodontics.

Noel Liu, DDS, CEO of Secure Dental and co-founder of DentVia, says that he usually recommends meloxicam when someone experiences severe inflammation as part of their dental pain. “I have found meloxicam useful in managing moderate to severe dental pain resulting from abscesses, post-extraction discomfort, or periodontal problems,” he says. He explains that meloxicam’s long half-life is effective at reducing inflammation and offers relief for a longer time period.

You might be wondering if meloxicam can help with tooth nerve pain. “Meloxicam is less effective for nerve-related pain, such as that caused by a damaged tooth pulp or trigeminal nerve issues,” Dr. Kunik says. “Nerve pain typically requires different treatments, like acetaminophen or even medications targeting nerve pathways.”

How does meloxicam work for tooth pain?

Meloxicam is an NSAID, and it’s also considered a selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 is an enzyme that produces prostaglandins, which produce some of the symptoms of pain and inflammation symptoms you experience during toothaches and other pain conditions.

“Meloxicam works by blocking the production of prostaglandins—chemicals in the body that trigger inflammation and pain,” Dr. Kunik explains. Meloxicam accomplishes this by inhibiting an enzyme called cyclooxygenase (COX). “This reduces swelling and alleviates pain in dental conditions related to inflammation,” he says.

How long does it take meloxicam to work for tooth pain?

If you are experiencing serious dental pain, you want relief fast. The good news is that meloxicam typically works fairly quickly. “Meloxicam has an onset of relief in patients after 30 minutes to an hour, with a peak effect at four to six hours,” Dr. Liu says. Additionally, meloxicam works for a longer time period than other NSAIDs. “Because of its long duration of action (up to 24 hours), it makes an excellent agent for patients who wish to avoid frequent dosing,” Dr. Liu explains.

Meloxicam vs. ibuprofen for tooth pain

NSAIDs, in general, are considered a first-line treatment for acute dental pain and are preferred over opioids. Of the NSAIDs, ibuprofen and naproxen are much more commonly recommended by dentists than meloxicam. In fact, one of ibuprofen’s FDA-approved uses is for the treatment of toothaches, whereas meloxicam is not FDA-approved for this use.

“Generally, ibuprofen is used more in dentistry because it is effective, fast-acting, and readily available,” Dr. Liu shares. “Also, it has a shorter half-life, so it is best for short-term use, as there is less risk of long-term side effects.”

Still, as an NSAID, meloxicam has its place when it comes to treating tooth pain. People experiencing chronic inflammation or individuals needing longer-lasting relief may be prescribed meloxicam. “For instance, a patient recovering from major oral surgery might have a better experience with meloxicam because it’s a sustained-action drug,” Dr. Liu explains.

However, ibuprofen is generally best for mild to moderate pain that needs immediate relief. Factors like medical history, kidney function, and other medications the person is taking will guide the choice, according to Dr. Liu.

Meloxicam dosage for tooth pain

Meloxicam is usually dosed at 7.5–15 mg once daily for adults who experience conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Liu says that dentists usually prescribe meloxicam at the same dosage, at 7.5–15 mg per day. However, “this depends upon the actual severity of the pain and the general health of the patient,” he notes.

Potential side effects of meloxicam

Meloxicam isn’t without side effects, and because it is a stronger medication than NSAIDs like ibuprofen, the side effects can be more intense for some people. “Meloxicam can cause some side effects, which are similar to those of other NSAIDs but may be more pronounced due to its long-acting nature,” Dr. Kunik says.

Some common meloxicam side effects include:

  • Gastrointestinal effects, like nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Face redness and puffiness
  • Acne
  • Weight gain
  • Appetite changes
  • Mood fluctuations
  • Irritability
  • Unwanted hair growth
  • Sweating
  • Salt retention
  • Thinning skin

Serious side effects of meloxicam are possible and can include muscle damage, psychosis, increased vulnerability to infection, high blood pressure, blood sugar changes, seizures, stomach ulcers, and serious allergic reactions.

Alternatives to meloxicam for tooth pain 

The most common alternatives to meloxicam for tooth pain are popular OTC pain relievers. “For most dental pain cases, I prefer to start with ibuprofen or acetaminophen because they have more predictable safety profiles and are effective for short-term use,” Dr. Liu says.

And what about if those aren’t options or aren’t working well enough? “If I have patients who are contraindicated to NSAIDs or have more complex pain profiles, I may consider alternatives to NSAIDs such as acetaminophen combined with a low dose of opioids—only if I have to,” Dr. Liu says. The trick, he says, is to find a pain management plan that fits the patient’s particular needs and health status.

If you are experiencing tooth pain that’s not responding to your go-to painkillers, or if you are taking meloxicam and are looking for an alternative, it’s best to seek medical advice from your dentist about the best options for your situation.

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