Comments for Consumers

This page/column contains information which may be of interest to consumers. The information is based on articles which appear in Australian Prescriber. As Australian Prescriber is written for health professionals, you should discuss any issues raised by this page/column with your doctor or pharmacist. They will be able to give a more detailed answer to your questions by reading the main article.

Australian Prescriber is unable to comment on individual cases or give second opinions.

---

Australian Prescriber Vol. 30 No. 3 2007

Dental and oral pain

Infections around the teeth can be painful, but most toothache is not caused by infection. Common causes of pain are tooth decay and gum disease.

The treatment of dental problems is best done by a dentist. There may be no need to take any medicines afterwards. Even if there is some infection, antibiotics may not be needed following dental treatment.

Medicines may give some relief from the pain, but the patient should still see a dentist. The pain is likely to recur until the dental problem is treated.