Once you start taking antibiotics, your toothache may go away within a few days. Pain relief is just one reason your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat a tooth infection that occurs when bacteria causes an abscess (pustule), usually in the soft living tissue inside a tooth called 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 due to concerns about side effects or to avoid antibiotic resistance.
This article explains how to diagnose a tooth infection and why antibiotics can be used to treat it. It provides information on prevention and common home remedies for dental infections.
Dental infections do not always require antibiotics. In many cases, they can clear themselves. Gargling with warm salt water or taking over-the-counter medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may help reduce toothache and swelling.
However, if you are immunocompromised (weak immune system) or if a tooth infection is spreading, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics. Some signs that a tooth infection is getting worse may include:
If left untreated, tooth infection can spread to surrounding bone and tissue. 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 you may have a dental infection, it is important to seek dental care immediately. If your toothache persists, your gums are red and sore, or you notice pimple-like blisters along your gum line, make an appointment.
The purpose of taking antibiotics to treat dental infections is to prevent tooth loss and other serious health complications. After diagnosing a tooth infection through a physical examination, pain assessment, and imaging tests (such as dental x-rays), your dentist can determine whether antibiotics are needed.
Both amoxicillin and penicillin V potassium belong to a class of antibiotics called penicillins. They fight infection by killing bacteria or preventing their growth. Penicillins cannot treat viral infections.
If you are allergic to penicillin, 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) per day, while the oral dose of cephalexin is usually 500 mg four times a day. Full courses last from 5 to 7 days, sometimes up to 14 days.
These medications are usually prescribed if other antibiotics do not cure your symptoms or if a tooth infection begins to spread.
Even if you feel better quickly, it is important to take your antibiotics exactly as prescribed. If you stop taking antibiotics too early, the infection may persist. You may also increase your risk of developing bacterial infections that are resistant to antibiotics.
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. Typically, your dentist will re-evaluate your pain after three days and stop antibiotic treatment 24 hours after your symptoms have completely resolved. Be sure to take antibiotics as directed.
Get medical help right away if you experience serious side effects while taking antibiotics, such as:
Allergic reactions to the drug penicillin are common. Tell your dentist if you have a history of allergic symptoms (such as hives, swelling, or low blood pressure) after taking penicillins. They may prescribe a macrolide antibiotic (such as clindamycin) to clear up the infection.
A tooth abscess can sometimes be caused by a cracked or chipped tooth, injury, or failed dental treatment. However, most dental infections are caused by tooth decay.
The best way to prevent dental infections is to maintain good oral hygiene. Here are some ways to protect your teeth from tooth decay and gum disease:
Home remedies for treating and preventing infections include garlic, green tea, the antibacterial elements of cranberries or citrus fruits, black cumin spice, or polyphenols (such as those found in tea tree oil). The most popular natural treatment for tooth infection is a warm salt water rinse. Research has not proven these treatments to be effective, so you should still seek professional help if you have a tooth infection.
A tooth infection is a pustule that forms in the pulp of a tooth due to bacterial growth. Dental infections are often caused by tooth decay, failed dental treatment, broken or chipped teeth, or injury.
Not all dental infections require antibiotic treatment. However, sometimes your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to save the tooth and prevent the 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 the antibiotics are effective, the symptoms of the tooth infection will begin to subside. Fever, fatigue, pain and/or swelling will decrease. If your symptoms persist or worsen, contact your dentist immediately.
Post time: Dec-12-2023