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.
“Antibiotics are, of course, tremendously important medications, however, it's vital that we use them wisely so that they continue to be effective when absolutely needed,” said Peter Lockhart, chair of the ADA expert panel and research professor at Carolinas Medical Center in the US.