Is Prednisone used for tooth infections? 

Is Prednisone used for tooth infections?

Prednisone is not generally prescribed for tooth infections, but it can help with inflammation and pain associated with the infection. (1)

However, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are more commonly recommended for the management of toothache and inflammation triggered by the infection, but that’s not the ‘treatment’ of the infection itself. 

Painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications provide symptomatic relief and they do nothing to treat the actual root cause. Tooth infections are caused by gram-positive bacteria which require a suitable antibiotic to eradicate the bacteria completely. 

If you think you have a tooth infection, talk to your healthcare provider. Your doctor will examine you and will prescribe the best-suited antibiotic to get rid of your symptoms. 

Treatment strategies for tooth infections

The proper treatment of tooth infections typically involves a combination of professional dental care and medications. When you have a tooth infection, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. The dentist will examine your tooth and may take an X-ray to determine the extent of the infection. 

In most cases, the dentist will recommend a root canal treatment to remove the infected pulp from inside the tooth and clean the area thoroughly. This procedure helps to save the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading further.

After the root canal, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate any remaining infection and reduce the risk of complications. Commonly prescribed antibiotics for tooth infections include: (2,3)

  • Amoxicillin 
  • Doxycycline 
  • Penicillin 
  • Erythromycin 
  • Tetracycline
  • Cephalexin 
  • Clindamycin

It’s essential to take the prescribed medications as directed and complete the full course of treatment. Additionally, practising good oral hygiene, such as brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, can help prevent further infections.

Medications for the management of pain caused by a tooth infection

When it comes to managing pain caused by a tooth infection, there are several medications that can be used. Over-the-counter pain relievers such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, or Acetaminophen can help alleviate mild to moderate toothache pain. (4)

These medications can reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief. However, it’s important to follow the recommended dosage and consult with a dentist or healthcare professional if the pain persists or worsens.

For more severe or persistent pain, a dentist may prescribe stronger pain medications such as opioids. These medications should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional due to their potential for side effects and dependence.

Final words

To sum up, Prednisone is not the best choice of medication for tooth infections. Make sure you reach out to your dentist who will determine the best course of action to restore your dental health in the best possible way. 

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References

1.-

Puckett Y, Gabbar A, Bokhari AA. Prednisone. 2023 Mar 27. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 30521230. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK534809

2.-

Ahmadi H, Ebrahimi A, Ahmadi F. Antibiotic Therapy in Dentistry. Int J Dent. 2021 Jan 28;2021:6667624. doi: 10.1155/2021/6667624. PMID: 33574843; PMCID: PMC7861949. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7861949/

3.-

Poveda Roda R, Bagan JV, Sanchis Bielsa JM, Carbonell Pastor E. Antibiotic use in dental practice. A review. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2007 May 1;12(3):E186-92. PMID: 17468711. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17468711/

4.-

Koh SWC, Li CF, Loh JSP, Wong ML, Loh VWK. Managing tooth pain in general practice. Singapore Med J. 2019 May;60(5):224-228. doi: 10.11622/smedj.2019044. PMID: 31187144; PMCID: PMC6535452. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6535452/