Penicillin Vs Amoxicillin For Tooth Infection

Bottom Line Clindamycin Vs Amoxicillin

Clindamycin is a lincosamide antibiotic which has been approved by the US FDA for the treatment of streptococcal, anaerobic, and staphylococcal infections. It is available as phosphate for intravenous or intramuscular injection, as clindamycin hydrochloride for oral administration in capsules, and as palmitate for oral suspensions. It is commonly used before dental surgery or procedures to prevent infections in individuals who have heart issues which put them at greater risk of infection.

Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic aminopenicillin antibiotic structurally related to ampicillin. It is found as an oral tablet as well as a suspension and a capsule. It is used to treat a variety of infections which are caused by pathogenic bacteria, like:

• infections of the throat, skin, ear, nose, or urinary tract
• gonorrhea
• bronchitis
• tonsillitis.

According to a 2012 study published in NCBI, oral amoxicillin given prior to dental extraction generated a substantial reduction in post-extraction bacteremia in study participants.

The use of prophylaxis with clindamycin is recommended for the prevention of bacteremia following dental extractions in patients with high risk of bacteremia and with an allergy to penicillin, as per a 2006 study done at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. However, amoxicillin continues to be the antibiotic of choice for in the prevention of bacteremia following dental extractions and for people who are not allergic to penicillin.

What To Do If Antibiotics Don’t Fix Your Tooth Abscess

The most common sign of an abscess is a severe, persistent, throbbing toothache.

How Long Does Amoxicillin Take To Work For Tooth Infection

Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics. They work for tooth infections. But dentists try to minimize the use of this drug to prevent any resistance.

Your doctor may pair it with clavulanic acid to enhance its effectiveness. 500mg thrice a day for tooth infection is the loading dose of amoxicillin for tooth abscess.

If youre wondering, how long does amoxicillin take to work for tooth infection? youll most likely feel relief within 48 hours of ingesting the antibiotic. If not, youll feel the change within three to five days.

But its essential to complete the full amoxicillin dosage for tooth infection to recover. Or else, the tooth infection may come back with a big vengeance.

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Is It Safe During Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding

Clindamycin antibiotic crosses the placenta and is secreted in small amounts into human milk. Talk to your doctor before taking the antibiotic. Also, it is generally considered safe for use by pregnant women.

Amoxicillin can pass through breast milk and increase the risk for a later allergic reaction in infants. Let your doctor know if you are breastfeeding before taking the antibiotic. In addition, it is believed to be safe during pregnancy.

When To Skip Antibiotics For Tooth Infection

In some cases, antibiotics may not be necessary. There are three common situations where this applies:

• The infected tooth is completely removed
• A root canal is performed on the infected tooth
• You have an abscess that your dentist is able to drain completely

Some folks look for antibiotics for tooth infections over the counter. However, antibiotics cannot be taken without a doctors prescription. If you believe you have a tooth infection, make an appointment today.

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Antibiotics Used In Dentistry

• Penicillin: A common class of antibiotic with minor side effects that treats a broad range of bacterial infections
• Amoxicillin and ampicillin: Antibiotics in the penicillin family that treat a greater variety of infections
• Metronidazole: An antibiotic with antimicrobial properties that is regularly used to treat acute ulcerative gingivitis and is frequently used in conjunction with penicillin
• Erythromycin: A broad spectrum antibiotic administered to patients allergic to penicillin
• Cephalosporin: An antibiotic appropriate for those with penicillin allergies and used to treat a range of bacterial infections
• Tetracycline: An antibiotic used to treat a spectrum of infections, can cause grey stains on erupting teeth, and should not be prescribed to pregnant women or children under 12
• Sulphonamides: A group of antibiotics that can penetrate cerebrospinal fluid, often prescribed as a prophylactic to prevent bacterial meningitis for those with high infection risk
• Co-trimoxazole: An antibiotic that targets specific bacterial infections and requires a bacteriological sensitivity test

Wilson W, Taubert KA, Gewitz M, Lockhart PB, Baddour LM, Levison M, et al.

Circulation 2007 116:1736-54.

Wilson W, Taubert KA, Gewitz M, Lockhart PB, Baddour LM, Levison M, et al.

J Am Dent Assoc 2008 139 Suppl:3S-24S Accessed July 2018.

What is antibiotic prophylaxis. American Dental Association. J Amer Dent Assoc. 2016. Vol. 147 p. 526.

Using Antibiotics To Treat A Dental Abscess

When are Antibiotics Needed for a Dental Abscess?

Doctors prescribe antibiotics to treat dental abscesses that are causing pain symptoms or swelling. The goal is to get rid of the infection.

If it is only affecting the immediate area of the tooth, you might not need antibiotics. However, antibiotics are necessary if there is any risk of it spreading beyond the affected tooth. Or if you have a weakened immune system for any reason.

Your dentist will also cut and drain the abscess. Then they’ll wash it with saline, an antibacterial agent. A root canal can remove the diseased pulp from within the tooth and save it. Sometimes, you need a tooth extraction if it is unsalvageable.

Summary

Antibiotics are only necessary if the abscess is causing pain/swelling or if there is a risk of it spreading.

Which Antibiotics Work Best For a Tooth Infection?

The most effective antibiotic for a tooth infection varies. People are different and react differently to medications.

However, Amoxicillin is one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for tooth abscesses and infections. It also relieves pain.

Penicillin is an option, but many people are allergic to it. A doctor might prescribe clindamycin for someone allergic to penicillin. Other antibiotics prescribed to people with tooth abscesses include:

• Ampicillin and sulbactam
• Ticarcillin and clavulanate

How Long to Take Antibiotics for an Abscess

The course of treatment for most antibiotics is 10 to 14 days.

Summary

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Should You Take Antibiotics For Tooth Infection

You may be searching on the internet about the tooth issues youre facing. The symptoms will match with many other tooth diseases simultaneously. So, its better to see a dentist instead of self-diagnosing.

In most cases of general toothache, people dont need antibiotics. But if you do need one, dont buy without the prescription. They may end up doing more harm than good.

Youll feel better after one or two doses of antibiotics. But, its essential to continue the dose fully to make sure no contraindications appear later.

Antibiotic resistance is a huge issue nowadays since people take unprescribed antibiotics. Unprescribed antibiotics will make the bacteria resistant to that particular antibiotic. It will also lessen the effect of other drugs.

Therefore, reconsider taking unprescribed antibiotics. Dont forget to check the contraindications such as hypersensitivity to penicillin and allergies. Now the question is, how long after starting antibiotics will tooth pain go away.

Will I Need Antibiotics After Oral Surgery

Most people don’t need antibiotics after oral surgery. There are some cases when your dentist may recommend themfor example, if you have some heart conditions or cirrhosis of the liver.

A dentist may also prescribe antibiotics for individuals with a history of infective endocarditis or a weakened immune system.

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Talk To A Doctor About Your Antibiotic Treatment

Taking antibiotic drugs is often your best option when you have a tooth infection. And taking them right can make or break the success of your recovery. If youre ever in doubt about your current antibiotic treatment or you want to know what the best option is for you, speak to a doctor.

Luckily, you dont even need to leave the comfort of your home to consult a doctor about your concerns regarding antibiotics. With Carefree MD, you receive unlimited 24/7 access to board-certified physicians.

Our board-certified physicians can diagnose your illness, recommend the right antibiotics for you, prescribe them when medically necessary, and have them sent to your local pharmacy.

Talk to a doctor today about your antibiotic options when youbecome a Carefree MD member.

The Carefree MD blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed doctor or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.

The Carefree MD Card is not insurance and Carefree MD is not an insurance provider.

Penicillin Vs Amoxicillin For Tooth Infection

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Clindamycin Vs Amoxicillin Which Antibiotic Is Best For Tooth & Sinus Infection

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that is given to treat bacterial infections. It works by stopping bacteria from producing the protein they require to reproduce in order to spread the infection in the human body. It will not work for viral infections.

The US Food and Drug Administration approved this antibiotic in February 1970. It is also on the WHOs List of Essential Medicines. In addition, it is available in multiple brand and generic versions.

List Of Types And Dosages

Although antibiotics can help clear a tooth infection, it is important to use the appropriate antibiotic in each situation.

The type of antibiotic a dentist recommends will vary depending on the bacteria causing the infection. This is because different antibiotics work in different ways to eliminate different strains of bacteria.

As a study in the Dentistry Journal notes, there are over 150 different strains of bacteria that occur in the mouth. Many of these bacteria have the potential to grow and cause an infection.

Treatment may change depending on the bacteria causing the infection, though much of the time, dentists simply recommend an antibiotic that works against many types.

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Benefits Of Taking Amoxicillin For A Tooth Infection

All antibiotics work by stopping the growth of bacteria that cause an infection, which can also alleviate your pain.

Amoxicillin, a type of antibiotic known as a penicillin class antibiotic, is one of the most common antibiotics prescribed by doctors for that reason, its considered a front-line antibiotic.

Other front-line antibiotics include penicillin, cephalexin, clindamycin, and azithromycin.

Along with treating pneumonia, bronchitis, urinary tract infections, and ear infections, amoxicillin also works well for tooth infections.

While a mild abscessed tooth may resolve on its own, dentists often prescribe amoxicillin if theyre concerned the infection could spread, or when a patient has a weakened immune system.

There are many types of antibiotics that work for tooth infection, but amoxicillin is one of the most common because of how effective it is against the type of bacteria involved.

Compared to other antibiotics, amoxicillin also generally causes fewer major side effects, making it a great first option for treating an abscessed tooth.

Antibiotic Coverage During The Endodontic Procedure

The most conventional therapy in case of dental abscess requires two different procedures. First the dentist has to drain the bump to allow the pus to come out. To do that, your doctor will puncture the boil containing the yellowish fluid and press it gently to get it all out. As soon as the pus starts to exit, you will feel immediately.

The second step has the scope to remove all the infected material from within the dental element. The clinician will use surgical instruments like files and reamers to clean and shape the root canal. At this point, antibiotics for abscess avoid that additional bacteria contaminate the surgical area.

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Drug Interactions Of Amoxicillin Vs Penicillin

Amoxicillin and penicillin can interact with several other medications. Penicillin-type antibiotics may interact with methotrexate, a drug often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Taking amoxicillin or amoxicillin can affect how the body processes methotrexate, which may lead to toxicity.

Antigout medications like probenecid and allopurinol can lead to increased blood levels of amoxicillin or penicillin. This interaction may lead to increased side effects.

The effectiveness of amoxicillin and penicillin may be reduced when theyre taken with birth control pills or other antibiotics.

Combining amoxicillin or penicillin with warfarin may affect how warfarin is processed in the body. This may result in an increased risk of bleeding.

This may not be a complete list of all possible drug interactions. Consult a doctor with all the medications you may be taking.

Heart Problems That Dont Call For The Use Of Antibiotics In Dental Procedures

For years, the AHA recommended that people with most heart problems, including murmurs, take a short-term course of antibiotics before visiting the dentist. The goal was to reduce the risk for infective endocarditis, an infection of the hearts lining or valves that could be caused by oral bacteria. However, those at risk are exposed to oral bacteria on a daily basis during brushing and flossing and do not develop infective endocarditis. Also, research has shown that antibiotics offer little protection against infective endocarditis for most people. Therefore, the AHA guidelines have significantly reduced the number of individuals and procedures where AP is recommended.

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How Long Does Amoxicillin Take To Work On A Tooth Infection

Antibiotics work relatively quickly to resolve tooth infections and control symptoms.

If you follow your healthcare providers instructions, the effects of antibiotics should take effect within a few days.

While you wait for your antibiotics to work, your dentist may recommend you take pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage the symptoms.

Sometimes, dentists also suggest patients use a salt water mouthwash to relieve discomfort from a tooth infection.

If the antibiotic medication doesnt resolve the infection, a dentist may recommend another procedure to remove the infected tissue, such as a root canal or a tooth extraction.

Make sure to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional if youre not feeling better after a week, or if your symptoms are getting worse.

Which Antibiotics Work Best For Tooth Infections:

To reach a conclusion we first need to understand a few things.

Firstly, the severity of a tooth infections depends on the individual, and it needs to be addressed by your dentist. When you go for the check-up, make sure that you get to know about the type of abscess/infection you are suffering from. Which antibiotic to use depends upon the final diagnosis. It is critical to analyze which antibiotic will suit a particular infection. Also, misuse of antibiotics can put a patient to risk. Drug resistance by a particular bacteria is a major drawback. Therefore, analyzing the diagnosis and prescribing the antibiotic accordingly is the first step.

Some indications for the dosage of different antibiotics are as follows:

Doxycycline 100 mg once daily. It is the lowest dosage of all antibiotics.

Amoxycillin 500 mg thrice daily.

Penicillin VK 300-600 mg four times/day.

Cephalexin 250-500 mg four times/day.

Erythromycin 250-500 mg four times/day.

Metronidazole 250-500 mg thrice/day.

Tetracycline 250-500 mg four times/day.

Clindamycin 150-300 mg four times/day.

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Coverage And Cost Comparison Of Amoxicillin Vs Penicillin

Amoxicillin is a commonly prescribed antibiotic that is almost always covered by Medicare and insurance plans. The typical average cost of amoxicillin is around $24. However, a SingleCare discount card can lower this cost to around $5. Amoxicillin is usually purchased as a generic tablet, capsule, or oral liquid.

Like amoxicillin, penicillin is also widely available and covered by most insurance plans. If you are picking up penicillin from the pharmacy, it will most likely be the penicillin V or penicillin VK form. The average cost of penicillin V is $40. However, with a SingleCare discount card, this cost can be lowered to around $9. The cost will depend on which pharmacy you use and whether you get the pill or liquid form.

Antibiotic Therapy Risks And Side Effects

Before to take any medication, you should always talk to your doctor or dentist in order to avoid any unpleasant or dangerous side effect. This is an important precaution especially in case of pregnancy dental infection, while breastfeeding or in any other condition that requires you to take different drugs at the same time.

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How Much Amoxicillin Should I Take For Tooth Infection

Typical dosages of amoxicillin for a tooth infection are either 500 milligrams every 8 hours or 1,000 mg every 12 hours.

Typical dosages of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid are around 5002,000 mg every 8 hours or 2,000 mg every 12 hours, depending on the minimum effective dosage.

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Common Antibiotics Used In Dentistry

Phenoxymethyl Penicillin: Penicillin-based antibiotics are used commonly against a broad range of bacterial infections within the body, primarily due to non-toxic effects and minor side effects. In dentistry, phenoxymethyl penicillin is used as it is acid-resistant and can be administered orally. Its common uses include treatment against acute oral infections such as dental abscesses,pericoronitis, salivary gland infections and post-extraction infection. The main disadvantage however, is that patients can be allergic to penicillin based materials with a severe anaphylactic reaction occurring. Despite this, it is still commonly used due to it being highly cost effective and relatively safe. Alternative antibiotics include Erythromycin, cephalosporin and several others.

Tetracycline: A wide spectrum antibiotic used to treat multiple bacterial infections. If prescribed during permanent tooth eruption in the mouth, grey staining can occur on the erupting teeth, presenting as a grey band at the point of eruption. The severity of the stain can vary depending on the level of intake of tetracycline. In the UK, there are restrictions on when tetracycline can be prescribed as this staining can be quite severe. Due to the side effect of deposition of tetracycline within developing teeth, it should not be prescribed to children up to 8 years of age as well as pregnant or lactating women.

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