Should you take Aleve or hydrocodon for tooth pain?

I would say it depends on the type of dental pain (pre-surgical,post-surgical,or just bad infections or abcesses). Demerol (meperidine) is a way stronger pain killer than hydrocodone( vicodin,lortab,norco,vicoprofen). People having serious dental surgeries or have a tolerence to opiods might need the stronger demerol. Less severe dental pain can most likely be controlled by hydrocodone. Also hydrocodone always has either acetaminophen,or ibuprofen in it . While meperidine (demerol) has only that drug in it. The acetaminophen or ibuprofen in hydrocodone also has an anti swelling property to it which can help a lot. I've personally never heard of demerol prescribed for dental pain. Usually if something stronger than hydrocodone is needed percocet (oxycodone) is given.