Many people run to the doctor at the first sign of illness or pain in hopes of getting antibiotics to feel better. Unfortunately, this notion combined with the overprescribing of antibiotics has led to antibiotic resistance. PSA – viruses and colds do not require antibiotics, but that’s a discussion for another day!
Antibiotic Resistance
The CDC states, each year in the U.S., at least 2 million people are infected with antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and at least 23,000 people die as a result. Antibiotic resistance occurs when the body’s bacteria change in response to an antibiotic that was once able to fight it off. It’s not the body that’s resistant to the antibiotic but the bacteria. When bacteria become untreatable, infections can worsen and cause serious health problems or even death.
Antibiotic resistance is caused by the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. This has become a public health problem, making antibiotic-resistant infections difficult to treat and requiring extensive and costly treatments.
“Antibiotic Bandage”
We’re not talking about a bandaid with Neosporin, rather the mentality that something can be “fixed” with antibiotics. Let’s not confuse this with antibiotics treating true infections because that’s what they are intended to do. “Antibiotic bandage” is using antibiotics to temporarily relieve or mask symptoms instead of seeking a permanent solution to the problem.
Dentistry & Antibiotics
In conjunction with the global effort to prevent antibiotics from becoming ineffective against bad bacteria, the ADA has been cracking down on the use of antibiotics by establishing stricter regulations.
A recent guideline published in The Journal of the American Dental Association indicates antibiotics are not needed to manage most dental pain and intraoral swelling associated with pulpal and periapical infections and advises against using antibiotics for most pulpal and periapical conditions and instead recommends only the use of dental treatment and, if needed, over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Additionally, the article acknowledges that in situations where patients experience systemic symptoms such as fever and malaise, doctors are encouraged to prescribe antibiotics to fight off infection.
Treating Toothaches
Antibiotics are not always the answer to a toothache. Tooth pain can be vague. If your tooth is hurting, there’s a reason for the pain (not always infection), and oftentimes, treatment is a better remedy than antibiotics. Perhaps you have a cavity that needs to be filled, or maybe a cracked tooth that requires bonding.
At Berger Dental, we are firm believers in getting to the root of the problem (no pun intended). With a comprehensive exam, we are able to provide patients with a treatment plan to eliminate the pain and make them smile.
If you are experiencing any type of oral pain or discomfort, call us at 954-344-4488, or complete an online appointment request to schedule your consultation.