Antibiotics are not recommended for toothaches, according to a new American Dental Association (ADA) guideline.
Patients with toothaches are often prescribed antibiotics by physicians and dentists to help relieve signs and symptoms and prevent progression to a more serious condition.
However, the new guideline and accompanying systematic review found that healthy adults experiencing a toothache are best served not by antibiotics but by dental treatment and, if needed, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
Studies have shown that antibiotics, which are designed to stop or slow the growth of bacterial infections, don't necessarily help patients experiencing a toothache.
In addition, antibiotics can cause serious side effects, and overuse has resulted in bacterial strains that are resistant to antibiotics.
The guideline offers example scenarios when antibiotics may be prescribed for a toothache.
"But in most cases when adults have a toothache and access to dental treatment, antibiotics may actually do more harm than good," he added.
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