“Will antibiotics stop tooth pain?”
My 8 year old son has a toothache. I wonder if antibiotics will stop tooth pain?
7 Answers
Antibiotics will only help if there is an infection. Tooth pain for an eight-year-old may be caused by decay or eruption of adult teeth. It is best to have an exam and x-rays from a dentist to determine the cause of the pain.
I would visit a dentist if your child has tooth pain.
If the pain is caused by an infection, an antibiotic can offer some pain relief due to the effects of reducing the bacterial infection. Pain could be a symptom of something other than infection. Always consult your doctor first.
Depending on the reason for the pain it could have the ability to help. Most times the advantages of taking an antibiotic is to prevent bacterial growth. If the bacteria is growing in a confined space the increased pressure would cause pain and swelling. The bacteria will not have the ability to grow (split) while being inhibited by the antibiotic., therefore decreasing the pain associated with the increased pressure
Antibiotics will localize the infection, but not rid the tooth of the pain nor the infection. The source of the pain must be addressed before abscess and swelling occur!!
Antibiotics will treat the symptoms, but not the cause. They will help, but when finished, the pain will come back. Best to see the dentist.
It really depends on the source of the pain. If a tooth is abscessed, the infection tends to spread to the bone and gums which can be painful. In that case, antibiotics may help relieve the pain until the tooth is treated. However, if there is another source of pain such as a cavity, chipped tooth, etc antibiotics would not be helpful.
Marc D. Thomas DDS
Canyon Ridge Pediatric Dentistry
(303) 841-7900
http://www.canyonridgepediatricdentistry.com/
Marc D. Thomas DDS
Canyon Ridge Pediatric Dentistry
(303) 841-7900
http://www.canyonridgepediatricdentistry.com/
