K04.7
DESCRIPTION
Acute or chronic suppuration related to teeth, due to infection. It is characterised by:
- acute, severe, throbbing pain
- swelling adjacent to the tooth, or on the face
- pain worsened by tapping on affected teeth
- restricted mouth opening or difficulty chewing
- pus collection located around the tooth or at the apex of the root
MEDICINE TREATMENT
Initiate treatment before referral:
Children
- Amoxicillin, oral, 10-20mg/kg 8 hourly for 5 days.
AND
- Metronidazole, oral, 7.5 mg/kg/dose 8 hourly for 5 days. See paediatric dosing tool.
Adults
- Amoxicillin, oral, 500 mg 8 hourly for 5 days.
AND
- Metronidazole, oral, 400 mg, 8 hourly for 5 days.
Severe penicillin allergy:
Z88.0
Children < 18 kg
- Macrolide, e.g.:
- Azithromycin, oral, 10 mg/kg/dose, daily for 3 days. See paediatric dosing tool.
Children > 35 kg and adults
- Macrolide, e.g.:
- Azithromycin, oral, 500 mg daily for 3 days.
Pain:
Children
- Paracetamol, oral, 10–15 mg/kg/dose 6 hourly when required. See paediatric dosing tool.
Adults
- Paracetamol, oral, 1 g 4–6 hourly when required.
- Maximum dose: 15 mg/kg/dose.
- Maximum dose: 4 g in 24 hours.
REFERRAL
All cases.