A toothache may go away after a few days of starting antibiotics. Pain relief is just one reason your healthcare provider may prescribe antibiotics to treat a tooth infection, which occurs when bacteria cause an abscess (pustule) usually found in the soft living tissue inside the tooth (called toothache, bone marrow).
Severe infections require antibiotics because they can spread to surrounding bones and become life-threatening. However, if the infection has not spread to nearby teeth, your dentist may decide not to prescribe antibiotics for fear of side effects or to avoid antibiotic resistance.
This article explains how to diagnose a tooth infection and why it can be treated with antibiotics. It provides information on preventing dental infections and common home remedies.
Dental infections do not always require antibiotics. In many cases, they can go away on their own. Gargling with warm salt water or taking over-the-counter medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce tooth pain and swelling.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that dentists avoid prescribing antibiotics for most dental infections due to possible side effects. Occasionally, dental treatment such as drainage, deep cleaning, or root canal treatment (removal of infected tooth pulp) may be required.
However, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if you have a weakened immune system (weakened immune system) or if a tooth infection is spreading. Some signs of an advanced tooth infection may include:
If left untreated, a tooth infection can spread to surrounding bones and tissues. This can lead to serious health complications, including:
If you have a severe tooth infection, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent the infection from spreading. Antibiotics can prevent tooth loss and other serious health complications.
If you suspect that you may have a dental infection, it is important to seek dental care immediately. If you have persistent toothache, your gums are red and swollen, or you notice pimple-like blisters on your gum line, make an appointment.
The purpose of taking antibiotics for dental infections is to prevent tooth loss and other serious health complications. After diagnosing a tooth infection with a physical exam, pain assessment, and imaging tests (such as dental x-rays), your dentist can determine if antibiotics are needed.
Amoxicillin and penicillin V potassium belong to a class of antibiotics known as penicillins. They fight infection by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Penicillin preparations do not treat viral infections.
If you are allergic to penicillins, your dentist may prescribe one of the following antibiotics:
The dosage depends on the type of antibiotic used. The starting dose of oral azithromycin is 500 milligrams (mg) a day, while the usual dose of oral cephalexin is 500 mg four times a day. The full course lasts from 5 to 7 days, sometimes up to 14 days.
These medications are often prescribed if other antibiotics have not helped your symptoms or if your tooth infection has begun to spread.
Even if you feel better soon, it is important to take your antibiotics exactly as prescribed. If you stop taking antibiotics too soon, the infection may persist. You may also increase your risk of developing antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
You may experience increased pain at first, but most people begin to feel better within 7 days of starting antibiotics to treat a tooth infection. Your dentist will usually re-evaluate your pain after three days and stop antibiotic treatment 24 hours after your symptoms are completely gone. Be sure to take your antibiotics as directed.
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience serious side effects while taking antibiotics, such as:
Allergic reactions to penicillin preparations are common. Tell your dentist if you have had allergic symptoms (such as hives, swelling, or low blood pressure) after taking penicillins. They may prescribe a macrolide antibiotic (such as clindamycin) to clear the infection.
A dental abscess can sometimes be caused by a cracked or chipped tooth, trauma, or a failed dental treatment. However, in most cases, dental infections are caused by caries.
The best way to prevent dental infections is to maintain good oral hygiene. Here are some ways to protect your teeth from cavities and gum disease:
Home remedies to treat and prevent infections include garlic, green tea, antimicrobials found in cranberries or citrus fruits, black seed spices, or polyphenols (such as those found in tea tree oil). The most popular natural remedy for a tooth infection is gargling with warm salt water. Studies have not proven these treatments to be effective, so you should still seek professional help if you have a dental infection.
Dental infections are pustules that form in the pulp of a tooth due to bacterial overgrowth. Dental infections are often caused by cavities, poor dental treatment, broken or chipped teeth, or trauma.
Not all dental infections require antibiotic treatment. However, sometimes dentists may prescribe antibiotics to save the tooth and prevent infection from spreading. The most common antibiotics used to treat dental infections are penicillins.
Possible side effects of antibiotics for dental infections include nausea, diarrhea, yeast infection, taste changes, and headaches. More serious side effects such as rash, hives, swelling, joint pain and fever require immediate medical attention.
If antibiotics are effective, the symptoms of a tooth infection will begin to subside. Fever, fatigue, pain and/or swelling will decrease. If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your dentist immediately.
The most common antibiotics used to treat dental infections include amoxicillin, penicillin, azithromycin, clindamycin, cephalexin, and metronidazole. Antibiotics must be prescribed by a health care provider (such as a dentist). You can get your prescriptions faster with a telemedicine visit.
Post time: Jul-04-2023