As part of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (November 18-24, 2020) the British Endodontic Society (BES), along with the University of Central Lancashire, has sponsored a video that raises awareness of when antibiotics are not required to treat dental pain.
Overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of bacterial strains that are resistant to multiple groups of antibiotics. Infections with such bacteria can be fatal. Just seventy years after the introduction of antibiotics we are facing the possibility of a future without them being effective.
The idea behind the video is to mitigate patients’ expectations by explaining some of the ways in which dental pain should be treated. It offers viable alternatives to antibiotics and outlines the appropriate courses of action in different situations. The overarching message is that most causes of dental pain should not be treated with antibiotics.
“The video is just one and a half minutes long and simple to follow,” explained Phil Tomson, honorary secretary of the BES.
“Its style makes it patient and family-friendly and we are very keen for it to be shared with patients and within the dental and health communities so the message reaches as many people as possible.”
The video concludes with a useful link to find out more about antibiotic resistance by visiting www.antibioticguardian.com
The video was produced by Shalini Kanagasingam, Nargis Sonde and Phil Tomson and is available to watch at www.britishendodonticsociety.org.uk/patient-public/use-of-antibiotics