Child Dental Analgesia — ORE Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPaediatric DentistryChild Dental AnalgesiaORE Part 1

A 6-year-old child has mild dental pain. There is no history of drug allergy, asthma, renal disease, gastrointestinal disease or regular medication. Which is the most appropriate analgesic?

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Correct answer: A — Paracetamol oral suspension 250 mg, up to four times daily

**A is correct.** Paracetamol is an appropriate first-line non-opioid analgesic for mild dental pain in a 6-year-old. The UK SmPC for paracetamol 250 mg/5 mL suspension specifically includes toothache and gives 250 mg for children aged 6–8 years, with at least 4 hours between doses and no more than four doses in 24 hours. Ibuprofen can also be appropriate if there are no contraindications, but it is not offered here. Aspirin should not be used routinely in children because of the risk of Reye syndrome. Codeine and tramadol are opioids and are inappropriate for uncomplicated mild pain, with important paediatric safety concerns. Diclofenac 50 mg is an adult-strength NSAID dose and is not a suitable first-line choice in this child.

Reference: Electronic Medicines Compendium. Calpol Six Plus Suspension Sugar Free 80ml Bottle (GSL): Summary of Product Characteristics, section 4.1–4.2, 2024. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3664/smpc