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AIBU?

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Original poster

To give antibiotics for dental abscess?

40 replies

NImumconfused · 20/03/2025 20:07

Any dentists about?

DD16 is in agony with a dental abscess, painkillers aren't helping much and her face is swelling. This happened before a few years back (the tooth is damaged), same symptoms, so we're fairly confident that's what it is. Last time the dentist drained it and gave amoxicillin.

We have an appointment tomorrow with the dentist but in the meantime I'm concerned about the infection spreading. We have amoxicillin in the house (it was prescribed for DH a couple of months back but he reacted badly to it so they took him off that and gave him a different antibiotic). It's been stored properly and is well in date. WIBU to start her on it tonight?

OP posts:
hazelnutvanillalatte · 20/03/2025 21:19

Also definitely tell the dentist what you've done as the ab's might calm the swelling down and it may no longer be an obvious infection at her appt

Original poster
NImumconfused · 20/03/2025 21:07

Thanks to everyone who's replied. She doesn't have fever or chills at the moment, and I wouldn't risk trying to pop it myself - I doubt she'd let me near it anyway. I will keep a close eye on her tonight for any more disturbing symptoms.

OP posts:
catlovingdoctor · 20/03/2025 20:59

Dentist here.

Bad facial swelling can be dangerous ; if there's any chance of it obstructing her windpipe / trouble swallowing or breathing she should go to A&E. These things can progress quickly so don't take chances if you suspect anything lime that. Does she have any fever/chills?

The odds are the dentist she sees tomorrow may well prescribe amoxiciĺlin but as has been discussed above, it may be she also needs an adjunct.

Trying to pop the abscess yourself is really not advisable as you can't guarantee the sterility of a needle and may cause localised spread of infection.

Bababear987 · 20/03/2025 20:51

Tbh what's the worst that can happen, if you're sure shes not allergic then I'd give it, she must be in agony.

Yes you shouldnt take other peoples medication but it's a one off antibiotic.

Pinkandcake · 20/03/2025 20:47

Could popping the abscess be an idea? I’d be inclined to get a needle and burn the end on the gas hob to sterilise it then to pop it to take the pressure away and that will hopefully take away the pain and prevent the infection spreading.

I’m no doctor or medically trained it’s just my DC had one that had a little hole in it and it drained itself continuously and the dentists said it’s good it’s draining naturally.

DeathMetalMum · 20/03/2025 20:44

You really shouldn't. The dentist may want to prescribe something different. You should always finish the full course of antibiotics to reduce antibiotic resistance. If they do say prescribe metronidazole instead then dd wouldn't then finish the course as you likely don't have enough of the amoxicillin if your dp has taken some already.

shellyleppard · 20/03/2025 20:44

@NImumconfused very difficult situation for you both

YourLuckyPearlGoose · 20/03/2025 20:40

I would give it to her.

TheignT · 20/03/2025 20:37

I think it is illegal to take someone else's prescription medication. If all goes well no one would know, if she gets really bad and you have to go to A&E or she has a reaction to it I'd be worried about what would happen.

I'm very law abiding.

RoastDinnerSmellsNice · 20/03/2025 20:34

I think in your shoes, tempting as it is, I would ring the late night pharmacy and ask their advice OP.

Tetchypants · 20/03/2025 20:32

Yes I absolutely would. Double dose tonight and one in the morning and tell the dentist. I’ve had problems with dental abscesses and the sooner they get into her system the better as they can spread upwards. The dentist will probably prescribe metronidazole to take alongside it.

Original poster
NImumconfused · 20/03/2025 20:28

shellyleppard · 20/03/2025 20:17

Antibiotics can sometimes take 48 hours to start working...... might be better to wait and see the dentist tomorrow x hope she's better soon. My son has the same problem. Face like a hamster when its bad 😞

Thanks for replying.

I'm really torn, it just seems to be getting worse quite quickly this evening. Normally I wouldn't dream of giving something that wasn't prescribed but the info that comes up about spreading infection is quite scary. She's had amoxicillin before so it presumably can't do any harm?

OP posts:
Original poster
NImumconfused · 20/03/2025 20:26

hazelnutvanillalatte · 20/03/2025 20:17

I would because dental infections can spread quickly and amoxicillin is the first line treatment, but only if you check dosage and that you have enough to last until you get an actual prescription

Thanks for replying.

Yes, I had looked that up and I'm fairly sure it's what they gave her last time. The appointment is tomorrow morning so we'd get a prescription then.

OP posts:
shellyleppard · 20/03/2025 20:17

Antibiotics can sometimes take 48 hours to start working...... might be better to wait and see the dentist tomorrow x hope she's better soon. My son has the same problem. Face like a hamster when its bad 😞

hazelnutvanillalatte · 20/03/2025 20:17

I would because dental infections can spread quickly and amoxicillin is the first line treatment, but only if you check dosage and that you have enough to last until you get an actual prescription