Antibiotics Not Helping With Infections And Toothache: What Does It Mean
Why take the antibiotics if the pain is gone? Well, thats because the microorganisms inside your mouth, such as bacteria, like to survive. They have evolved with a mechanism to adjust according to the external threat.
Hence, to tackle and prevent bacterial resistance, you need to follow the prescriptions given to you by your dentist. In case the antibiotics and other medications are not taken accordingly. Then the problem will resurge with greater potency.
What Are Some Recommended Antibiotics For A Tooth Infection
The type of antibiotic youll need depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Different classes of antibiotics have different ways of attacking bacteria. Your dentist will want to choose an antibiotic that can effectively eliminate your infection. Antibiotics such as penicillin and amoxicillin are most commonly used to help treat tooth infections. If youre allergic to penicillin be sure to tell your dentist. Erythromycin is an alternative to penicillin and can be prescribed in its place. Information about dosage and how to take the medication will be given to you by your local pharmacist however youll typically need to take antibiotics for about a week.
Antibiotics For Tooth Infection: What You Should Know
Edmund Khoo, DDS, is board-certified in orthodontics and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics.
A tooth infection is a pocket of pus caused by the proliferation of bacteria. Usually, an abscess appears in the pulpthe soft, living tissue inside a tooth.
A periapical abscess develops from an infection in the pulp that forms an abscess at the root of a tooth, while a periodontal abscess develops between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue.
Symptoms of a tooth infection may include a severe toothache, sensitivity to heat and cold, swollen glands, swelling in the gums, foul-smelling breath, and pain while chewing. If the infection spreads to the surrounding bones, it may become life-threatening.
Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear up your tooth infection. Learn more about antibiotics for tooth infections, including why they are used and how fast they work.
Athima Tongloom / Moment / Getty Images
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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.
Can An Infected Tooth Be Pulled
Although having a tooth pulled is usually very safe, the procedure can allow harmful bacteria into the bloodstream. Gum tissue is also at risk of infection. If you have a condition that puts you at high risk for developing a severe infection, you may need to take antibiotics before and after the extraction.
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What To Do If You Have A Dental Abscess
You should see a dentist as soon as possible if you think you have a dental abscess. Avoid visiting your GP, as there is little they can do to help.
You can get help from:
- your registered dentist if it’s out of hours, they should have an answerphone message with details of how to access out-of-hours dental treatment
- NHS 24 service who can give you details of dental services in your area
- your local clinical commissioning group who can tell you the phone number of your local dental access helpline
- your local accident and emergency department if there are no other options or you’re having difficulty breathing
You may have to pay for emergency NHS dental treatment, depending on your circumstances. Read about NHS dental charges.
How Long Does Penicillin Take To Work On Tooth Pain
Penicillin can give relief in 1-2 days, depending upon the nature of the source causing the pain and infection. However, you will be required to complete the antibiotic course according to the dentists prescription. You cannot discontinue the antibiotic immediately after getting relief from tooth pain unless you have taken consultation from a professional.
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When To See Your Dentist
Toothache remedies can alleviate pain for a brief time, but they won’t solve underlying issues. If your tooth pain persists or continues to get worse, it’s time to see a dentist.
Expect a thorough physical exam of your jaw, mouth, teeth, throat, nose, neck, and ears. The dental team may take an X-ray to determine the cause of your tooth pain.
Toothache Treatment
Treatment depends on what is causing your pain:
- Cavity: If there is decay, your dentist will remove it, fill the cavity, or remove the tooth.
- Bacterial Infection: Your dentist may remove the pulp at the center of the tooth if it’s infected. He or she will then protect the area with a sealing material. This procedure is called a root canal.
- Food debris, fever, or jaw problems: Small pieces of food may be stuck in your gums and lead to infection. You’ll need a deep cleaning and possibly gum therapy. If your jaw is swollen or you have a fever, you may need an antibiotic.
A toothache isn’t something to ignore, especially if you’re in constant pain. Visiting the dentist is the best way to stop the ache and prevent an infection from getting worse.
Can A Toothache Make Me Sick Or Even Be Fatal
A toothache itself isnt fatal. But an untreated infection in your tooth can spread. You can become sick, and this illness could turn into something serious or even life-threatening. So if you toothache isnt getting better its a good idea to contact your dentist.
Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 03/23/2020.
References
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Common Symptoms Of Tooth Pain You Need To Know
The common symptoms linked with a toothache are following:
Remember that not all symptoms are present in this list. Moreover, these can vary depending upon the type of infection.
What Causes Dental Abscesses
Your mouth is full of bacteria, which form a sticky film on your teeth called plaque.
If you don’t 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 don’t 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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Relieving Pain From A Dental Abscess
While youâre waiting to see a dentist, painkillers can help control your pain.
Ibuprofen is the preferred painkiller for dental abscesses, but if youâre unable to take it for medical reasons, you can take paracetamol instead.
Aspirin should not be given to children under 16.
If 1 painkiller does not relieve the pain, taking both paracetamol and ibuprofen at the doses shown in the medicine leaflet may help.
This is safe for adults, but not for children under 16.
It may also help to:
- avoid hot or cold food and drink if it makes the pain worse
- try eating cool, soft foods if possible, using the opposite side of your mouth
- use a soft toothbrush and temporarily avoid flossing around the affected tooth
These measures can help relieve your symptoms temporarily, but you should not use them to delay getting help from a dentist.
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.
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How Much Cephalexin Should I Take For A Tooth Infection
It depends on your age and how many infections you are facing in your teeth. Follow all directions of cephalexin prescribed by your doctor. If people feel no relief from pain even after 48 hours then the dosage can be high. It may be increased from 250mg to 500mg or 500 mg to 100mg. Skipping dosage can also cause high infection and this infection may lead to cold and common flu also.
How To Get Rid Of An Abscess Tooth At Home
Getting proper knowledge about tooth abscess home remedy is essential because it is among the common dental emergencies that need to be dealt with as soon as possible at home. Tooth abscess is caused by the bacterial infection that may lead to tooth decay and further complex dental problems. It is actually considered an early precautionary stage among tooth decay stages. So, it is very important to know all about a specific infected tooth abscess home remedy that can actually provide tooth abscess pain relief fast. There are some popular home remedies for treating the infected tooth abscess.
Lets get an overall review about tooth abscess, its symptoms, importance, risks and the ways to treat the tooth abscess using home remedies.
Following are most common FAQs related to tooth abscess.
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Dental Abscess Treatment Options
Most dental abscesses will be treated immediately after diagnosis. An uncomplicated abscess will usually only require drainage to provide relief from the pain. Complicated abscesses may require more complex procedures and medications to control the underlying infection. If the infection spreads to the sinuses or neck, a surgeon may need to treat the condition.
A broken or cracked tooth can cause a painful toothache. A break in the tooth enamel can expose the inner pulp of the tooth.
Thats where the tooths blood vessels, nerve, and connective tissues are. If that area becomes inflamed or infected, the pain can be excruciating.
This article explains the pain of broken or cracked teeth and ways to manage the pain. It also discusses treatment options for painful broken or cracked teeth.
Verywell / Emily Roberts
Even Without Symptoms The Infection Wont Go Away Without Treatment
If you have a tooth infection but donât have any symptoms, you might think itâs okay to forgo treatment. However, even if you arenât having any symptoms, the tooth abscess and infection wonât go away without treatment .
The infection will eventually get worse, or, if you have another illness that requires your immune systemâs attention, you may suddenly be symptomatic. Severe tooth infections rarely happen overnightâtypically, these infections have been occurring for some time and are just now presenting symptoms.
Getting treatment is essential because the infection can spread to the tissues around the tooth, and may even enter the bloodstream, at which point it can become life-threatening .
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How K Health Can Help
Did you know that you can get online dental prescriptions for tooth infections?
to check your symptoms using our symptom checker and text with a doctor in minutes.
K Healths board-certified, U.S.-based doctors can provide a treatment plan and, if required, a prescription to resolve your symptoms as soon as possible. Clinicians are available 24/7.
K Health has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
What Symptoms Relate To Toothache And Swelling
Toothache can start suddenly. It can cause pain and discomfort that ranges from mild to very severe. The pain can be constant, throbbing, or it may come and go. It can also affect your head, ear and jaw.
If you have toothache, you may also have:
- swelling around your tooth and inside your mouth
- swelling of your jaw and face
- pain when chewing
- bleeding from your tooth or gums
- sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food
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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.
Reach Out To Our Chicago Dentists
While homemade remedies can provide you with some relief, you shouldnt put off seeing a dentist about your toothache. Tooth pain can be a sign of many serious issues, including a tooth infection or abscessed tooth. Its best to see a professional to ensure your teeth and health are both protected.
At Art of Modern Dentistry, we always put our patients first. Were the most trusted choice for fillings, crowns, and root canals in Chicago.
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Tooth Eruption Or Impacted Tooth
When a new tooth is growing in, it may cause sensitive teeth or dental pain, especially if the tooth is impacted . This may happen with teething babies, children who lose their baby teeth, and adults when their wisdom teeth grow in.
Treatment
If the pain is coming from the tooth eruption, an oral numbing gel or otc pain medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage it. If your teeth are impacted, minor surgery may be necessary to make room for the new teeth.
How Can I Get Rid Of A Toothache Without Medication
Depending on the cause of your tooth discomfort, it may not always be possible to get rid of a toothache without medication.
However, you can try cleaning your mouth by brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash, salt water, or hydrogen peroxide and seeing whether that brings some relief.
You can also use a cold compress, oil pull, and chew on fresh garlic. If your pain is severe or long lasting, though, make sure to visit your dentist.
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When Should I See A Dentist For A Toothache
See your dentist as soon as possible if:
- You have a toothache that lasts longer than one or two days.
- Your toothache is severe.
- You have a fever, earache or pain when you open your mouth wide.
- You experience swelling in the mouth or face.
The proper diagnosis and treatment of dental infections are important to prevent it from spreading to other parts of the face and skull and possibly even to the bloodstream.
Toothaches can be extremely uncomfortable but the pain isnt permanent as long as its treated. Your dental professional can relieve your pain and prevent any infections in your mouth from spreading in your body.
Old Or Damaged Filling
As fillings age, they may become weaker and susceptible to damage.
The filling material may decompose over time, or the filling can be damaged by normal chewing, biting something hard, or grinding your teeth. The filling may pop out, chip, crack, or crumble.
Treatment
Your dentist can replace lost or damaged fillings. If the tooth has been damaged excessively, a crown can be placed on the tooth to restore its standard form and function.
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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 and/or loose tooth
- shiny, red and swollen gums
- sensitivity to hot or cold food and drink
- bad breath and/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.