Wednesday, April 24, 2024

What Antibiotics Are Used For Infected Tooth

Must read

Dental Trauma And Infection

Natural Antibiotics for a Tooth Infection – Stop Toothaches Quickly

If your older child’s teeth become dislodged due to trauma, the dentist may prescribe tetracycline.

However, tetracycline can cause permanent tooth discoloring when a child’s dentin is still being formed, also called tetracycline teeth, so children under 12 will be prescribed something else in most cases, like penicillin V or amoxicillin. Topical antibiotics may also be used to help with gum healing.

Facial Swelling With Infection

For children with dental infections, antibiotics from the penicillin class are the most popular choice.

Your dentist may decide that additional supplemental antibiotics such as metronidazole may be needed if the infection is caused by anaerobic bacteriabacteria that don’t require oxygen and are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract.

Why Antibiotics Dont Cure Tooth Infections

Oral health is vitally important to your overall health. When you are suffering from a tooth infection, you may want an easy solution, such as a course of antibiotics. However, antibiotics wont cure your tooth infection.

Oral bacterial infections cause abscesses, which are small pockets of pus and dead tissue in the mouth. Often times they look like swollen tissue or a pimple on your gums. This usually occurs near the base of the tooth where the roots are. Tooth decay due to poor oral hygiene, failing dental work, trauma or a cracked tooth are ways bacteria can infect your tooth. When bacteria enter the roots, they use your nerve tissue and blood vessels as a food source. They begin to multiply and spread, and the result is a dental infection.

At this point, most patients believe antibiotics are necessary, however, your endodontist knows differently. Due to the anatomy of the tooth, bacteria become trapped in the roots. Without proper cleaning, such as through root canal therapy, the infection will remain and potentially spread to the jaw or even the brain. A draining, cleaning, or possibly even tooth extraction is needed to fully remove a bacterial tooth infection.

Why not antibiotics? There are several reasons antibiotics alone will not cure the infection. The blood vessels that once supplied the inside of the tooth with your bodys antibacterial defenses have been destroyed. Therefore, the antibiotics cannot reach the inside of the tooth to cure your infection.

Read Also: Can A Sinus Infection Heal Without Antibiotics

How Much Should I Take And For How Long

Most of the time, you will need to take antibiotics for about one week. Depending on the kind of antibiotic, you may require to take a portion two to four times each day.

Your doctor should give instructions on how to take the antibiotic. Or you can inquire the pharmacist if you are uncertain about how to take a medication.

Furthermore, keep in mind to always take the entire set of antibiotics given by your dentist, even if the issue seems to vanish. If you neglect to take the whole course, some bacteria might survive, making it difficult to treat the infection.

What Is Penicillin V

Dottox Blog: articles about dental care, dentistry treatments &  oral ...

Penicillins are a group of antibiotics that fight bacteria and was originally developed from the Penicillium fungi. Penicillin V is one type of penicillin antibiotic and is used to treat a wide range of bacterial infections such as ear infections, throat infections, skin infections and preventing rheumatic fever.

It should only used if the bacterial infection is sensitive to penicillin V.

Penicillin V may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Don’t Miss: What Antibiotics Treat Inner Ear Infection

Antibiotics For Tooth Infection

If your dentist suspects that your infection has spread or is at risk of spreading to other parts of your body, they may prescribe a course of antibiotics to keep you from developing a more severe and system-wide infection.

The antibiotics prescribed depend on the specifics of the bacterial infection, including the kind of bacteria present, the severity of the infection, and any allergic reactions you may have to medication. The most commonly prescribed antibiotics include:

No matter which antibiotic your doctor prescribes, its crucial to take the full course of medication precisely as directed, even if you begin to feel better. If you stop taking your medicine early or skip a dosage, you may end up creating a drug-resistant infection that will be harder to treat.

Although some natural and alternative remedies may provide some relief for discomfort, none have been proved to be safe and effective for the treatment of dental infections. If you believe you have a dental infection, seek medical care from a professional rather than trying home remedies, as these infections can spread and, in some cases, become life-threatening.

What Should Be The Effective Dose Of Antibiotics For Tooth Infection

Although it is not very clear, according to the literature in most cases, 2-3 days of medication is adequate. However, when the treatment is not done properly, the antibiotic coverage may be needed for up to 7 days.

According to the International Dental Journal study notes, most acute infections resolve in 3-7 days.

Always take the entire dosage regimen of antibiotics prescribed by your dentist . This is mainly because if you dont take the entire course, some bacteria may survive and can result in the re-infection. This reoccurring infection becomes harder to treat at the later stage.

Read Also: How Many New Hiv Infections Per Year

Treatments For Tooth Infection

When bacterias start to build up in the root of the teeth, an abscessed tooth occurs. This kind of infection does not normally just go away without medication. If you feel any uneasiness and you suspect that your dental health is at risk, its better to consult your dentist as soon as possible.

To temporarily ease the signs and symptoms you may want to do home care:

  • Relieve pain by taking over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin.
  • Avoid chewing with the infected tooth for the meantime.
  • Use soft toothbrushes only.
  • Do not drink or consume foods that are too cold and too hot.
  • Gargle warm water with a teaspoon of salt.

Remember that these remedies are temporary only and you will still need to see your dentist for proper consultation and diagnosis.

An abscessed tooth can be treated by a root canal procedure. But if the pus is too big and it affects a large part of your tooth, dental surgery may be performed to save the tooth. This process would include a root canal and gum cutting to let the pus out. Afterward, a crown or cap will be placed on top of the tooth for protection. In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved anymore, the dentist will have to extract the tooth to totally remove the infection and prevent further damage.

Antibiotics Prescribed For Infected Tooth

What Are The Antibiotics Used In Dentistry

How I Healed My Tooth Infection Without Antibiotics! Dentists HATE this video.

There’s an assortment of antibiotics that dentists regularly prescribe to their patients for this treatment. The most common include:

  • Amoxicillin
  • Clindamycin
  • Penicillin

The most popular is likely penicillin or amoxicillin. It’s not uncommon for some patients to need something stronger or may be allergic to those two. In that case, cephalexin or clindamycin could be prescribed. Azithromycin is helpful when a sinus infection is causing tooth pain. If there’s an infection that’s severe or in a unique location, a combination of antibiotics may be required.

Don’t Miss: Feels Like Bladder Infection But Not

When You Dont Like The Dentist

Youre not alone in being uncomfortable with the dentist. Rather than avoid the dentist, which can severely sabotage your oral health, I suggest you try a dentist who offers dental sedation. This allows you to get a anxiety-free/pain-free experience in the dental chair. In fact, with oral conscious sedation, most patients just sleep through their appointment. It has changed many lives.

Be aware, while pain in a tooth often means a tooth infection, it can also mean you have a cracked tooth that needs to be crowned. The point is get to a dentist find out the real problem.

This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William Becker.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Dental Infection

Depending on the location and extent of the infection, dental infection symptoms can range from mild to severe. If you have a tooth infection, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

  • A lump or bulge around the infected tooth
  • Throbbing or persistent pain around the infected tooth
  • Throbbing or constant pain that radiates to your jaw, neck, or ear
  • Pain in your face
  • Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
  • A swollen mouth or face
  • Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures
  • Tenderness or sensitivity to touch around the infected tooth
  • A discolored or loose tooth
  • Bad breath or a foul taste in your mouth
  • Difficulty opening your mouth

If a tooth infection goes untreated, bacteria can spread and infect areas of your jaw, face, head, or neck. In rare instances, your infection can develop into a serious skin infection or blood infection . Symptoms of a tooth infection spreading to body parts outside the mouth include:

  • Feeling generally ill or unwell

If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention from a healthcare provider immediately.

Read Also: Can A Bladder Infection Cause Incontinence

Is It Safe To Use Antibiotics For Gum Infection

The significant risk of antibiotic treatment is an allergy to the medication. Make certain to tell your dental expert if you are allergic to certain antibiotics. If you have a rash, hives, indigestion or other response after you take an antibiotic, stop taking it. Contact your dental professional. You may have to change to another drug.

Both you and your dental expert can help to avoid bacteria from becoming resistant to antibiotics. It depends on your dental practitioner to use antibiotics properly. Your function is to follow directions and take all of the medicine as recommended.

You Can Also Try These Tips

Antibiotics for Tooth Infections: Best Prescription and OTC Options

In conjunction with the antibiotic, you can also try over-the-counter pain medication rinsing with warm salt water, chewing with the opposite side of your mouth and avoiding hot and cold foods. These are simple ways to alleviate symptoms of the infection while the antibiotic works.

If you have any questions about antibiotics used for tooth infections or what type of antibiotic will work best for you. In that case, we encourage you to contact us to schedule an appointment today.

You May Like: How To Get Antibiotics For Sinus Infection

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.

Antibiotics For An Infected Tooth

According to MedlinePlus, a toothache is generally the result of a dental cavity in which the tooth begins to decay, leading to infection 123. The cause is most often attributed to poor dental hygiene, although a genetic proclivity to tooth decay can also play a role. Since the oral cavity is rife with bacteria, any opening in the tooth enamel can cause serious complications for the root and supporting bones. Physicians prescribe a variety of antibiotics to patients with tooth infections to eliminate infection-causing bacteria. Anyone who experiences persistent pain or swelling of the gums should contact a dental professional immediately.

You May Like: Pink Eye Or Sinus Infection

What Is The Best Antibiotic For A Toothache

A toothache caused by infection can be treated in various ways depending on the severity, location, and general health of the patient. In cases of severe infections that can’t be treated by root canal or tooth extraction alone, your dentist may prescribe an antibioticusually amoxicillin, or metronidazole in the case of a penicillin allergy.

Essential Oil Cures For Sinus Infections

Healing mouth, tooth, gum infection without antibiotics

Our favorite natural remedy for sinusitis is essential oils, particularly when combined with some of the ideas listed above. The best essential oils for sinus infections are antimicrobial, antiviral, surfactants, expectorants, etc. Combining the oils into a steam inhalation formula is one of the most effective methods for relief.

Below are a few recipes to consider.

Recipe #1

  • Five minutes before treatment, blow your nose to clear out as much mucus as possible.
  • Combine the oils in a bowl of hot, steaming water.
  • Cover your head with a towel and lean over the bowl
  • Close your eyes and inhale the vapors deeply for a minimum of three minutes .
  • Repeat the process two to four times per day.
  • Also Check: Can Fluconazole Treat Yeast Infection

    What Is The Best Antibiotic For A Tooth Infection

    There is no one antibiotic that is best for treating a tooth infection. 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. However, doctors will often choose amoxicillin as the first-line treatment.

    Side Effects Of Ciprofloxacin

    There are some common side effects patients feel after taking this medicine. Common side effects can be treated and cured easily. However, a few need immediate medical attention. The common side effects are:

    Some severe side effects you can face for taking Ciprofloxacin are:

    • Changes in sensation
    • Worsen muscle weakness for people with myasthenia gravis
    • Tendinitis
    • Allergy problems

    Though this medicine can cause serious side effects, not everyone using it will face the problems. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems, epilepsy, diabetes, irregular heartbeats, or uncontrolled high blood pressure.

    He will check your problems and prescribe you the right amount of dose or change the medicine for you.

    Read Also: Does Zpack Cause Yeast Infection

    When Are Antibiotics Used For A Tooth Infection

    Tooth infections dont always require antibiotics. In many cases, they may clear up on their own. Rinsing with warm saltwater or taking over-the-counter medicines, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , may help to reduce tooth pain and swelling.

    The American Dental Association recommends that dentists avoid prescribing antibiotics for most tooth infections due to potential side effects. Dental treatments, such as drainage, deep cleaning, or a root canal , may sometimes be necessary.

    However, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if you are immunocompromised or if your tooth infection is spreading. Some of the signs that your tooth infection is getting worse may include:

    • Swelling in the jaw or neck
    • Intense pain or swelling that does not go away

    If left untreated, a tooth infection may spread to the 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 it from spreading. Antibiotics may prevent tooth loss and other serious health complications.

    Treatment For Dental Infections

    Can I Use Antibiotics for My Tooth Pain?

    Although The Online Clinic is happy to provide emergency treatment for dental infections and abscesses, it is essential that you make an appointment with your dentist so that the actual cause of the problem can be identified and resolved. It is not wise to continue treating the symptoms with antibiotics on a long term basis, as this can make the situation worse by failing to treat the cause.

    Serious complications can occur if a dental abscess is not properly treated. We cannot emphasise strongly enough that it is essential that you see a dentist.

    Read Also: How To Get Ahead Of A Sinus Infection

    Tooth Infection Home Care

    You can do some things to ease your symptoms:

    • Take over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen for the discomfort.
    • Try to chew on the side of your mouth away from the tooth.
    • When you brush your teeth, use a toothbrush with soft bristles.
    • Donât eat foods that are hot or cold.
    • Put a cold compress on your jaw where your tooth hurts.
    • Use a rinse of water and salt or diluted hydrogen peroxide.

    Important Information About All Medicines

    Do not take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

    This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

    If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.

    If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

    Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

    If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

    Recommended Reading: French Bulldog Yeast Infection Treatment

    Recommended Reading: Can You Get A Yeast Infection From Condoms

    The Dosage Of Ciprofloxacin

    The dosage and timing of taking medicine will vary based on the bacterial infection. Doctors check the age, kidney condition, and other underlying diseases of the patient before prescribing ciprofloxacin for tooth infection.

    If the transit infection is severe, the dosage will be long-term. Based on your medical condition or response to treatment, your doctor can increase or reduce the dose.

    This medicine has three types of forms-

    • Tablet- 100 mg, 250 mg, 500 mg, 750 mg
    • Extended-release tablet- 500 mg and 1000 mg
    • Oral suspension- 250 mg and 500 mg

    Commonly adults are given the following dosage-

    • For mild to moderate infection- 250 to 500 mg orally for 7 to 14 days after every 12 hours.
    • For severe infection- 500 to 750 mg orally for 7 to 14 days after every 12 hours.

    This dosage is usually given to adults for bacterial infections. But dont medicate yourself this dose without consulting the doctor. Your infection can be different from normal tooth decay, which Cipro probably doesnt even heal.

    So consult with the doctor, and they will examine you to dispense the right medicine.

    More articles

    Popular Articles