When Are Antibiotics Needed
Your mouth is full of bacteria: some good, some bad. When the harmful bacteria spreads and turns into infections, antibiotics are used to stop bacteria growth. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, sometimes a dentist prescribes prophylactic antibiotics before treatment to prevent typical mouth bacteria from creating infections. Those with the following conditions may require prophylaxis:
- Heart problems
- Shunt
- Prosthetic joint
What Are The Best Antibiotics For A Tooth Infection
A tooth infection can be caused by any number of different types of bacteria. The best antibiotic will be tailored for the type of bacteria causing the infection. Side effects, however, are an important consideration when a dentist or healthcare provider prescribes an antibiotic. One in 15 people are allergic to one or more types of antibiotics, and allergic reactions to antibiotics could be life-threatening.
How Dental Insurance Can Help
Dental emergencies happen. Even if you are practicing good dental hygiene and you take care of your teeth, you can still end up with an infected tooth that needs to be dealt with right away. Dental insurance can help cover the costs of things like X-rays, exams, and other treatments, as well as more expensive care like root canals.
This is not dental care advice and should not be substituted for regular consultation with your dentist. If you have any concerns about your dental health, please contact your dentist’s office.
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Natural Antibiotics For Tooth Infection
A tooth infection can be extremely discomfortable. For the quickest and most efficient treatment the infection should be cared by a dentist as soon as it is discovered. If there is no possibility of visiting a dentist immediately then various natural remedies for tooth infections may be considered. One of the more popular types of treatments at home for a tooth infection would be the practice of natural antibiotics to relieve the condition.
Natural antibiotics for a tooth infection are natural or organic products that can be used to help minimize the symptoms and severity of a tooth infection. There are many different foods, plants, and more that fall under the category of natural antibiotics. You will not be required to get a prescription for these antibiotics and they are likely already found in your home. Therefore, it is a very convenient treatment method for a tooth infection.
Tooth Infections and the Importance of Treating ThemA tooth infection occurs when the enamel of a tooth is damaged to the point where bacteria can enter the tooth. The result of bacteria entering the tooth is ultimately a tooth infection. A tooth infection can also be caused by other tooth issues such as cavities or trauma. The severity of a tooth infection can vary but for the most part the symptoms will be the same .
What Is A Tooth Infection
A tooth infection or dental abscess occurs when a bacterial infection enters a damaged tooth or gum tissue and begins to multiply.
As the immune system responds to fight the bacteria, white blood cells cause swelling and a natural byproduct called pus builds up at the infection site. If the pus is unable to drain naturally, a pocket of pus develops at the area.
Dental infections are polymicrobial, meaning theyre caused by multiple types of bacteria rather than by a single bacterium. You can develop three major types of dental infections:
- Periodontal abscess: When an injury or gum disease allows bacteria to enter and infect the bone and tissue structures that support a tooth.
- Periapical abscess: When an injury, previous dental work, or untreated tooth decay allows bacteria to enter and infect the soft pulp inside of a tooth.
- Gingival abscess: When an injury or sharp piece of food pierces the gum tissue and allows bacteria to enter and infect the gums.
Its essential to seek medical advice if you have a painful toothache or believe you have an abscess. If left untreated, your tooth infection can spread to other parts of the body, leading to life-threatening complications.
The best way to prevent dental infections is to maintain good oral hygiene, schedule regular checkups with a dentist, avoid high-sugar foods, and abstain from smoking.
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What Causes Dental Abscesses
Your mouth is full of bacteria, which form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque.
If you do not keep your teeth clean, acids produced by the bacteria in plaque can damage your teeth and gums, leading to tooth decay or gum disease.
The following can increase your chances of developing a dental abscess:
- poor oral hygiene plaque can build-up on your teeth if you do not floss and brush your teeth regularly
- consuming lots of sugary or starchy food and drink these can encourage the growth of bacteria in plaque and may lead to decay that can result in an abscess
- an injury or previous surgery to your teeth or gums bacteria can get into any damaged parts of the teeth or gums
- having a weakened immune system this includes people with certain underlying health conditions, such as diabetes, and those having treatment, including steroid medication or chemotherapy
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This article is not medical advice. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911.
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Symptoms Of A Dental Abscess
Symptoms of an abscess in your tooth or gum may include:
- an intense throbbing pain in the affected tooth or gum that may come on suddenly and gets gradually worse
- pain that spreads to your ear, jaw and neck on the same side as the affected tooth or gum
- pain that’s worse when lying down, which may disturb your sleep
- redness and swelling in your face
- a tender, discoloured or loose tooth
- shiny, red and swollen gums
- sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- bad breath or an unpleasant taste in your mouth
If the infection spreads, you may also develop a high temperature and feel generally unwell.
In severe cases, you may find it hard to fully open your mouth and have difficulty swallowing or breathing.
The Difference Between An Abscess And An Infection
A tooth infection can take the form of a cavity, pulpitis, or an abscess. Yes, a dental cavity is an infection. It causes the enamel, or hard surface, of the tooth to begin to break down. This can be painful, if it happens quickly, but many cavities dont cause symptoms.
If the infection extends into the middle of the tooth the pulp it causes pulpitis. This usually causes a toothache, which can be aggravated by hot and cold foods and liquids.
Finally, if the infection is not treated and continues to spread, it can form an abscess. After the infection has spread through the middle of the tooth and has nowhere else to go, it forms a pocket of pus, which is an abscess.
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Can I Take Amoxicillin For A Gum Infection
Your dentist will want to choose an antibiotic that can effectively eliminate your infection. Antibiotics of the penicillin class, such as penicillin and amoxicillin, are most commonly used to help treat tooth infections. An antibiotic called metronidazole may be given for some types of bacterial infections.
Best Antibiotic For Tooth Infection
Which antibiotic is used for a tooth infection depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection and whether youre allergic to any antibiotics.
Common antibiotics prescribed for tooth infections include:
- Penicillin is the most common antibiotic for tooth infections. Depending on the type of bacteria and location of the infection, penicillin alone may not be effective. It is commonly prescribed alongside another antibiotic, such as Flagyl.
- Amoxicillin is often given to adult patients with mild tooth infections that dont display signs of sepsis.
- Clindamycin is usually given to penicillin allergic patients.
Remember, even if you start to feel better, you must always take the full course of antibiotic prescribed to you. Despite improved symptoms, failing to take all of your antibiotics could allow for the development of antibiotic resistance and the reemergence of a much worse infection.
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Complications Of Dental Abscess
In rare cases, complications do arise. These can include:
- Cellulitis, an infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissues.
- Ludwigâs angina, which occurs when cellulitis spreads into the tissues under the tongue, in the lower jaw and under the chin. It is also known as submandibular cellulitis/submandibular space infection.
- Osteomyelitis, an infection of underlying bone.
- Parapharyngeal abscess, an abscess at the back of the mouth, near the throat. It is caused by staphylococcal and/or streptococcal bacteria. It is most common in children aged five years or younger.
- Cavernous sinus thrombosis, which can occur when the infection spreads into the blood vessels in the sinuses of the head.
These conditions require very urgent medical attention and are best evaluated via a hospital emergency department.
When To Seek Emergency Treatment For Dental Abscesses
Ideally, a person affected by a dental abscess, or who suspects that they may have a dental abscess, should visit the dentist as soon as possible. Because it is not always possible to see a dentist in time, some people may need to be treated for their abscesses in a hospital emergency department. Medical doctors are not specifically trained to handle dental issues, but will be able to stabilize the affected person, providing antibiotics and pain relief, until they can see the dentist.
Good to know: Dentists do not form part of the regular staff in most hospital emergency departments. Treatment by a doctor at a hospital will not replace seeing a dentist. Doctors are not trained to deal with dental problems but will be able to assist with managing infection and pain.
If a person with an abscess or a suspected abscess shows any of the signs listed below, they should seek urgent medical care as soon as possible. Danger signs for tooth abscesses include:
- An abscess of more than 1cm in diameter, or which feels large
- Severe swelling or hard lumps on the gums or the face
- Bleeding on the gums or in the mouth
- Fever or a body temperature of more than 38 C / 101.4 F
- Tender lymph nodes in the neck area
If a person shows the symptoms listed below, they should immediately be seen by a hospital emergency department:
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What Are The Common Side Effects Of Medicine For A Dental Abscess
Different classes of medications have different side effects. However, this is not a complete list, and you should consult with a healthcare professional for possible side effects and drug interactions based on your specific situation.
Oral antibiotics typically can cause upset stomach, intestinal problems, and loss of appetite. Allergic reactions are a concern. Allergies to various types of antibiotics are common and could be severe. About 1 in 15 people are allergic to antibiotics.
NSAIDs are the pain relief medication of choice for dental abscesses. They are widely available, inexpensive, and safe. The major possible issues with NSAIDs are gastrointestinal side effects including stomach problems, ulcers, gastrointestinal bleeding, and stomach pain. NSAIDs are known to cause kidney failure and can precipitate heart disease in elderly patients. All NSAIDs interfere with the bloods ability to form blood clots, so bleeding and bruising are common problems.
How To Prevent A Tooth Abscess
Practicing excellent oral hygiene is the best way to prevent a tooth abscess and other oral conditions like cavities and gum disease.
Here are some best practices:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with an electric toothbrush. Don’t use hard-bristled toothbrushes because they can harm your gums
- Replace your toothbrush head every 3 months
- Floss every day before bed to remove food, debris, and plaque
- Use an antiseptic mouth rinse daily to help prevent plaque and bacteria buildup
- Visit your dentist for professional teeth cleanings twice a year
- Drink fluoridated water
- Eat a healthy diet and reduce sugar intake
Summary
Optimal oral hygiene is essential for dental abscess prevention.
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Most Common Pain Relievers For Toothache
The ones that are recommended the most typically include drugs like oxycodone, codeine, or hydrocodone which are agents acting on the main nervous system.
- Codeine is a controlled substance, since it is metabolized by the body into morphine, which is an extremely addicting substance if not used as prescribed or if its usage is extended over a few days.
- Oxycodone is another strictly controlled substance, typically prescribed for post-surgery dental pain.
- Hydrocodone is much more powerful than other tooth pain medications, used for painful tooth infections.
What Is The Best Antibiotic For Tooth Infection Treatment
In many cases, antibiotics from the penicillin class, including penicillin and amoxicillin, are the best antibiotics for tooth infection. But that doesn’t mean these are the right choices for everyone! In fact, antibiotics may not be what you need even If you have a tooth infection.
You should never take an antibiotic without a prescription from your dentist or doctor. Many people take antibiotics without a prescription, and this is leading to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.
That means that some bacterial infections can no longer be treated with antibiotics which is a scary thought!
Instead of antibiotics, your dentist may decide that the best course of action is to drain your abscess, perform a root canal, or possibly remove the infected tooth.
That being said, you are more likely to receive antibiotics for a tooth infection when your infection is severe and spreading or if you are an individual with a weakened immune system.
The best antibiotic for a tooth infection will depend on the type of bacteria that is causing your infection and the location of your infection. That’s because different classes of antibiotics work in different ways to fight bacteria.
This is one of the reasons why it’s essential to take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed by your dentist until you’ve finished your prescribed course of treatment. Your dentist or doctor will know which is the best drug to take for your infection based on your medical history and the type of infection.
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How Do I Prepare For An Appointment With My Dentist For An Abscessed Tooth
To help you get ready for your appointment:
- Make a list of your symptoms include any that may seem unrelated to your tooth or mouth pain. Remember, your dentist can only help you when they know everything going on.
- Make a list of medications, vitamins, herbs or supplements you may be taking with the dosages of each.
You should prepare a list of questions to ask your dentist, including:
- Whats likely causing my symptoms and condition?
- Which tests do you recommend?
- What is the best course of action?
- Are there alternative to the primary
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Remember, your dentist wants to help keep you and your teeth healthy. Just like other medical professionals you may see, theyre an important part of the healthcare team. Be sure to see your dentist routinely and dont put off regular checkups prevention is key! These visits give your dentist a chance to spot problems early, when they may be easier to treat. If you are experiencing pain, its important to see your dentist to get the care you need.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 08/24/2020.
References
Antibiotics For Tooth Infections
Antibiotics are used sparingly for dental abscesses because of the risk of generating drug-resistant bacteria. They will usually be used for abscesses with complications or if the patient has a fever or trouble breathing. Mostly, however, it will depend on the dentist or endodontist. The antibiotic prescribed will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Amoxicillin is the most popular antibiotic for tooth infections. It’s often used with clavulanic acid to increase its effectiveness against bacteria. However, patients are just as likely to be prescribed penicillin, clindamycin, or azithromycin. Relief from pain and swelling will be noticeable in a day or two, but it takes three to seven days to treat the infection completely.
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When To See A Healthcare Provider Or Dentist
While any doctor or healthcare provider can prescribe treatments such as antibiotics that will help temporarily, if you experience pain, swelling, tenderness, or other symptoms that you believe may be related to a dental abscess, tooth infection, or injury, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. You want to treat your infection appropriately so that it doesnt spread to other parts of your body or put you at serious risk.
If you experience difficulty breathing or swallowing, develop a fever or swelling under your tongue, or suffer from any other indication that your infection might be spreading to other parts of your body, go to your nearest emergency room. They may not be able to treat your tooth infection , but they can prescribe a course of treatment to ensure that the bacteria in your mouth does not spread to other areas of your body.
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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