What To Take For A Toothache Infection

How Long Does Antibiotic Take To Work

You may be a patient whos just been to the dentist. If you have a tooth infection, your dentist has possibly suggested the use of antibiotics. Its natural to think, How long does antibiotics take to work? How long does amoxicillin take to work for tooth infection?

Well, every antibiotic has a different time to kick in. It also depends on the kind of antibiotic resistance you have developed over the years. And also the kind of bacterial infestation on your gums. Yet, its common for antibiotics to kick in within a day or two.

Whether you feel the antibiotics kick in or not, please dont stop taking them. Theyll do their work fine if you complete the given dose. If you face any adverse allergic reaction after taking the antibiotics, contact your dentist immediately. Rather than asking how long does it take amoxicillin to work on a toothache, ask how to minimize the reactions.

What Is A Tooth Infection

Tooth infections are usually caused by bacteria, which means treatment will likely involve antibiotics. Here, well learn all about tooth infections and the best antibiotic to treat a tooth infection.

We all have bacteria in our mouths, which cover our teeth, tongue, and other tissues. This is normal. But infection can happen when bacteria grow into the inside of the tooth, gums, or other spaces in the mouth. It can be caused by poor dental hygiene, which leads to plaque buildup and cavities. Infection can also be caused by injury to the tooth or dental procedures.

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.

Recommended Reading: Can A Yeast Infection Have Green Discharge

Can A Tooth Abscess Go Away On Its Own

A tooth abscess is a specific type of dental abscess called a periapical abscess. It starts as an infection inside the tooth and moves into the area below the tooth. It will not go away on its own. If the abscess ruptures, youll feel immediate pain relief, but you should still seek dental treatment for the underlying infection.

Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection

The most obvious symptom of a tooth infection is pain. Intense, sharp, or shooting pain in a tooth is a good indication that there is an infection that needs to be dealt with. Some of the other common symptoms of a tooth infection are:

• Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck or ear

• Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures

• Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting

• Fever not associated with flu or another illness

• Swelling in your face, cheek, or jaw.

• Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck

• Sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief, if the abscess ruptures

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing

Read Also: Can A Tooth Infection Make Your Face Swell

How To Get Rid Of A Tooth Abscess Without Going To The Dentist

by Pearl Modern Dentistry | Feb 28, 2021

If you have a broken, chipped, or decayed tooth, bacteria can penetrate the cracks. This leads to the growth of infections that can cause tooth abscess. If the bacteria manage to reach the tooths center, they can infect the tooth. As a result, pus can begin to accumulate in the tooth and give you a severe toothache. Early treatment for tooth infection is necessary otherwise, it can impact your gums and cause other severe oral issues.

The best treatment for a tooth abscess is going to the dentist, but many people dont like the idea of sitting in the dental chair. If youre one of those thinking about how to get rid of a tooth abscess without going to the dentist, we can help you find relief. Keep reading to explore some home remedies that can help you find relief from the pain and discomfort caused by a tooth abscess.

How K Health Can Help

Did you know you can get affordable primary care with the K Health app?

to check your symptoms, explore conditions and treatments, and if needed text with a doctor in minutes. K Healths AI-powered app is HIPAA compliant and based on 20 years of clinical data.

K Health articles are all written and reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, or PharmDs and are for informational purposes only. This information does not constitute and should not be relied on for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.

K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.

You May Like: Bladder Infection From Swimming Pool

Proven Ways To Treat A Toothache And Relieve Pain Fast

The obvious solution to any type of dental pain is to see a dentist as soon as possible. When you cant get to your dentist right away, however, you may have to endure some amount of discomfort in the meantime. The following tips can help you minimize a toothache while you wait for your dental appointment.

When to See a Dentist

While your number one goal might be centered on eliminating tooth pain as quickly as possible, you need to consider the potential cause first. When our bodies experience pain, they are sending warning signals to our brains, telling them that something isnt right. If you have oral pain, its generally a sign you have a problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.

Oral pain can be caused by a variety of serious issues, including tooth decay, a damaged filling, a tooth fracture, infected gums or an abscessed tooth. If the latter has occurred, you could suffer serious complications without rapid treatment. These complications could include the loss of the tooth and supporting bone. In some cases, bacterial infections can also spread to other parts of the body, leading to hospitalization or worse. For these reasons, its important to seek emergency treatment if you show any of the following signs of an abscessed tooth:

• Red, swollen gums
• Unpleasant or salty taste in the mouth
• Swollen face or jaw

If youre experiencing any of the above symptoms, call one of our experienced dentists immediately.

10 Ways to Relieve a Toothache

4. Use a hot pack.

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.

Also Check: Can You Cure A Bladder Infection Without Antibiotics

Top 10 Best Antibiotic For Tooth Infection With Expert Recommendation

Are you on the lookout for the Best Antibiotic For Tooth Infection? If yes, you have surely landed on the right website. Here, you will find the reviews of your preferred Antibiotic For Tooth Infection.Yes, in this comprehensive review and buying guide, we will take you in finding the right product you want. The review includes top benefits, pros, cons, durability, functioning, and importantly, a comparison between similar products along with a detailed.So, please stick with us to quickly find the right Antibiotic For Tooth Infection you want without wasting time, energy, and money.

Disclaimer:

Goodsense Acetaminophen Extra Strength

The GoodSense brand of Acetaminophen is also a top pick among consumers, coming in at #2 among the best medicines for toothache. Remember that acetaminophen is not an NSAID so it can be taken on an empty stomach.

Even though this product is in caplet form, the pills are a little larger than most caplets so beware of this if you have difficulty swallowing larger pills.

If you have a fever along with your toothache, this is likely the best choice since it is the most effective in reducing fever.

Read Also: How Long Does It Take For Ear Infection To Heal

Some Natural Remedies Can Help You Control Tooth Pain And Help Stop Tooth Infections From Getting Worse

The only way to truly get rid of an infection is with antibiotics. However, home remedies for tooth infection can help manage the symptoms and alleviate some of the pain. If you have a tooth infection you need to see a dentist to assess whether or not you need a root canal and to get prescription antibiotics to make sure that the infection goes away and doesnt cause any more pain or damage to your teeth.

There are some natural remedies that you can use to both help control the pain and help stop the infection from getting worse or spreading while you wait for the infection to die off. Not all of these remedies will work for every person but if youre in pain from an infected tooth they can bring you some relief.

How Will The Dentist Treat My Toothache

Treatment by a dental professional depends on what is causing your toothache.

• If a cavity is causing the toothache, your dentist will fill the cavity or take the tooth out, if necessary.
• A root canal may be needed if the cause of the toothache is an infection of the tooth’s nerve. Bacteria that have worked their way into the inner space of the root of the tooth cause infection.
• An antibiotic may be prescribed if there is fever or swelling of the jaw. A small piece of food can get stuck under the gums causing an infection. In this instance, a deep cleaning may be performed or recommended followed by further periodontal therapy if necessary.

Read Also: Can Tooth Infection Go Away On Its Own

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.

Dental Abscess Treatment And Prevention

Please take comfort in the fact that while abscesses are unpleasant to deal with, theyre a regular occurrence at your dental office. Your dental professional is specially trained and equipped to diagnose the underlying cause of your abscess, provide appropriate treatment, and offer tips to prevent it from occurring again in the future.

Treatment for a dental abscess may include:

• Prescribed antibiotics
• Professional removal of infected tissue, drainage of the abscess, and cleaning affected areas
• Root canal treatment if the infection has infiltrated the soft inside of your tooth

To prevent future abscesses and avoid worsening the conditions that led to your infection, its a smart bet to use this time to ensure youre practicing a healthy dental routine.

Steps to maintain your oral health may include:

• Gently brush your teeth for two minutes twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush
• Clean between your teeth once a day using floss, a flossing device, or an interdental brush
• Consume a balanced diet that limits overly sugary or acidic foods and beverages
• Avoid smoking and tobacco products
• Visit your dental professional regularly

Dealing with an abscess can be difficult, but you can take this as a challenge to improve your dental routine and avoid further problems in the future. Youve made a great choice to inform yourself on what dental abscesses are, why you need professional treatment, and what you can do to find temporary relief in the meantime.

Recommended Reading: Can You Get Antibiotics For A Viral Infection

What Relieves Tooth Abscess Pain

NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin provide the most effective pain relief for a tooth abscess. They will both relieve the pain and reduce the swelling caused by the infection. Anesthetics are popularly used, but products with benzocaine should be avoided. Benzocaine can cause rare but serious side effects. Products with counter-irritants like menthol have only a limited effect. In most peoples experience, natural or medical topical anesthetics do not relieve pain as well as NSAIDs. Keep in mind that pain relievers only lessen the discomfort of the infection, so it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to remedy it.

Buying Information For Pain Relievers For Toothache

As you can see from the top 10 list, there is a wide variety of products consumers prefer when attempting to stop the pain of toothache, including oral medications and topical products.

The top 3 are pain relievers with which we are all familiar and likely use quite often for a host of aches and pains. But do we really understand the differences between ibuprofen , acetaminophen and naproxen sodium ? Lets make sense of all of them in order to make the best choice for our pain.

Ibuprofen and Naproxen Sodium belong to a family of drugs called NSAIDs non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs. These are very effective pain relievers, but because they can irritate the stomach, they should always be taken with a meal. Naproxen Sodium is longer acting so it can be taken less frequently, usually only once a day.

Acetaminophen, in a family of drugs known as analgesics, is also very effective in relieving pain. It is not an NSAID and does not irritate the digestive tract like an NSAID, meaning it can be taken on an empty stomach. It is usually best when a fever accompanies the pain.

When using any of these medicines, it is important to remember that adult versions are not to be given to children and, if youre taking steroids or blood thinners, you should consult your physician before using either of the NSAIDs.

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water

• Gently floss your teeth to dislodge any food particles that may be trapped

• Take your pain reliever of choice as directed

Also Check: Over The Counter Yeast Infection Meds

Related Advise For How Long Does It Take For A Tooth Infection To Go Away

Will tooth infection come back after antibiotics?

Antibiotics will not cure toothache, they will only mask the problem until you have something done about the tooth itself. They may stop the pain for a few days, weeks or even months, but it will always come back with a vengeance!

Can a tooth abscess last for years?

If abscesses are not treated, the infection can last for months or even years. It will not go away on its own, So it is important not to ignore the symptoms. If the infection is not treated, it can damage the surrounding bone and teeth.

Has anyone ever died from a tooth infection?

Even up until 1908, dental infections still ended in death between 10 to 40 percent of the time. Due to advances in medicine and dental hygiene, death from a tooth infection is now extremely rare. However, it’s still important to seek prompt care if you suspect that you have an infected tooth.

How can I drain an abscessed tooth myself?

Can a small tooth abscess go away on its own?

Can gum abscess heal on its own?

What happens if you don’t get an abscess treated?

How To Deal With Tooth Infections: With Or Without Antibiotic Dosages

Having a toothache can be one of the most significant issues in your life. And a tooth infection will make it worst. The word infection may freak you out, but I can assure you there is nothing to worry about.

Your dentist will examine your teeth, and chances are, you will be prescribed an antibiotic if there is an infection. Antibiotics heal the wound fast. And theyll be helpful if you maintain the dosage.

Do you need to know everything about antibiotics for a toothache? Or how different antibiotics work? Or, particularly, how long does amoxicillin take to work for tooth infection? If yes, then keep reading!

Table of Content

Recommended Reading: Over The Counter Pain Relief For Tooth Infection