Ibuprofen vs Paracetamol Before Dental Work on an Empty Stomach

Before dental work on an empty stomach, choose paracetamol over ibuprofen — the main issue is GI irritation from NSAIDs while fasting, not bleeding risk for routine procedures.

When choosing a pain reliever before dental work while fasting: Ibuprofen on an empty stomach causes gastrointestinal irritation and nausea. Paracetamol (acetaminophen, e.g. Efferalgan) is the better choice — it is gentler on the stomach and treats both fever and headache. For routine dental work such as cavity fillings, significant bleeding is not expected, so ibuprofen's mild blood-thinning effect is not the primary concern — stomach irritation while fasting is. Practical approach: Take paracetamol if fasting before the appointment. If ibuprofen is still needed afterward, eat first before taking it.

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