Modern pharmaceuticals, which are used to treat many human ailments, are very effective, but only if taken properly. These medications include the two most frequently prescribed for dental conditions, antibiotics and pain medication. The safety and effectiveness of these drugs is dependent on the following some basic guidelines for their use.
Always take medications with food unless instructed otherwise by your health care provider or pharmacist.
Antibiotics, which are prescribed for dental infections, work by decreasing the concentrations of bacteria which cause the swelling, pain, and tissue destruction which might bring you to the dental office to begin with. Different bacteria cause different infections, and so a variety of antibiotics are available for prescribing in each situation.
Taking all of the antibiotic prescribed to you is important, even if the condition is starting to feel better. If not taken properly, infections can recur more quickly than they would have, and there is also a risk of creating “antibiotic-resistant” bacteria, which may lurk in the mouth and be more difficult to destroy in the future.
When taking medication prescribed for pain, it is important to follow the label information for dosing and how often the medication should be taken. This is especially true for medicines containing Tylenol, or acetaminophen, which can cause liver damage if taken in excessive doses or on an empty stomach. Tylenol also should not be taken in conjunction with alcohol, as this can cause severe liver damage.
Patients taking pain medicines containing narcotics should follow the dosage instructions, and also should not drive or operate heavy machinery while on these medications. Alcohol should not be mixed with narcotic medication, as this can cause severe drowsiness, unconsciousness, and death. Taking more than the prescribed dosage can also be fatal.
Anti-inflammatory pain medicines, such as Advil/Ibuprofen, if taken chronically, or in excess, can potentially cause stomach upset or ulcers. It is important to follow the dosage instructions for these medicines as well, whether they are prescribed or over the counter.
Medicines prescribed for your dental condition can be a temporary solution, and relieve symptoms until more definitive work is performed. When these medicines are taken properly, they can be even more effective, and safe. Contact a dentist if you have any questions about a particular medication, or a dental concern.