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Australian Prescriber Vol. 24 No. 6 2001

Management of acute dental pain: a practical approach for primary health care providers

Dental problems can be very painful. It is best to prevent them by cleaning the teeth regularly and not smoking.

There are several causes of dental pain, but most can be treated with simple painkillers such as paracetamol until a dentist can look at the problem. Swellings, fever and tenderness in the face can be due to infection. Antibiotics can help treat infections, but are not always needed. If there is an abscess the pus may need to be let out urgently.