As we all know, we might have to use antibiotics as a treatment for some infections that we encounter. Similarly, antibiotics are likely to be one of the first treatments a dentist will suggest for a tooth infection as well. A dental infection is often caused by tooth decay. It can, however, arise following a traumatic injury to the teeth or after a dental procedure as well.

As a result of the activity of harmful bacteria, an infection leads to pus formation in the mouth giving rise to dental abscesses. Common symptoms of this condition involve sensitivity, pain, discomfort, swelling, and pus discharging.

While some over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can help with the pain, antibiotics are required to eliminate the infection-causing harmful bacteria. However, not all antibiotics are equally effective for every dental infection. For tooth infections, some antibiotics are more effective than others.

Dental infections can spread and cause serious consequences if not treated soon enough. Therefore, early treatment of dental decay is also vital to prevent dental infections since it is one of the most prevalent conditions which gives rise to dental infections. Anyone experiencing dental issues should consult a dentist as soon as possible. Then, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to prevent further progression of ongoing dental infections.

Dentists may prescribe antibiotics mainly in three situations.

  • After a dental procedure, to prevent oral microorganisms from spreading outside of the oral cavity to other vital organs in the body because once the bacteria escape into the vital organs, especially the heart, they can cause diseases, including endocarditis.
  • To treat infections in the mouth that are resistant to other therapies.
  • Before a dental procedure if you are already a person who needs prophylactic antibiotic coverage.

Dentists commonly prescribe antibiotics for tooth infections. However, what we should know is that antibiotics are not required for all infected teeth.

In some circumstances, a dentist may be able to treat the infection only by draining the affected region, removing the infected tooth, or performing a root canal without prescribing antibiotics.

Doctors prefer to avoid prescribing antibiotics unless they are required, partly due to the rising antibiotic resistance. This covers situations where an illness is serious or spreading or when a person’s immune system is compromised.

Let’s now dive into the types of antibiotics and their dosages.

There are more than 150 distinct bacteria strains in the mouth. Many of these bacteria can multiply and cause infection when the opportunity arises. Although antibiotics can help clear a tooth infection, it’s critical to choose the proper medication for the situation.

Treatment varies based on the specific germs that caused the illness, but most dentists prescribe an antibiotic that works against multiple varieties to tackle the disease-causing bacteria.

Class of penicillin

Antibiotics of the penicillin family are commonly used to treat tooth infections. Some examples include Penicillin and Amoxicillin.

Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, sold under the brand name Augmentin, may also be recommended by some dentists. This combination may aid in the elimination of more difficult microorganisms. Amoxicillin for tooth infections is usually given in doses of 500 mg every 8 hours or 1,000 mg every 12 hours. Depending on the minimal effective dosage, typical amoxicillin plus clavulanic acid dosages are 500–2,000 mg every 8 hours or 2,000 mg every 12 hours.

However, because some bacteria may develop resistance to these treatments, many doctors are now turning to other antibiotics as a first line of defence.

Furthermore, some people may be allergic to antibiotics. Before obtaining their treatment advice, anyone who has had an allergic reaction to similar medications should inform their dentist.

  • Clindamycin

Clindamycin is an antibiotic that works against a wide spectrum of microorganisms. Some researchers propose clindamycin as the antibiotic of choice for treating dental infections because bacteria may be less likely to resist it than penicillin-class drugs.

Clindamycin is usually taken in doses of 300 mg or 600 mg every 8 hours, depending on which dosage is beneficial.

  • Azithromycin

Azithromycin is an antibiotic that inhibits the development of bacteria. It may be useful in the treatment of various dental infections. Dentists may only recommend it to those who are allergic to or do not react to penicillin-class antibiotics or other medications like clindamycin.

A normal azithromycin dosage is 500 mg every 24 hours for three days.

  • Metronidazole

Metronidazole is an antibiotic prescribed by doctors and dentists for various ailments. However, it may not be appropriate for everyone and is rarely the initial therapeutic option. Metronidazole is taken in doses of 500–750 mg every 8 hours.

Side effects of antibiotics

Antibiotics can help clear up an infection or prevent one from developing following dental work, but they can also have some negative side effects.

Antibiotic side effects include the following:

  • Gastrointestinal problems like nausea and diarrhea
  • Dizziness
  • Yeast infection mostly candida infections
  • Skin rash

The following are more serious adverse effects:

  • An allergic reaction to Clostridium difficile infection can be fatal.
  • Anaphylaxis is a deadly allergic reaction where you should seek emergency management.

These adverse effects, however, can differ depending on the type of antibiotic as well from person to person. Before starting any treatment, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor about any potential adverse effects to prevent serious consequences.

How long does it take antibiotics to work?

The length of time it takes for an antibiotic to function depends on several factors, including the severity of the infection and how well the medicine destroys the harmful germs.

It is critical that people finish a full course of antibiotics, taking all prescribed medication exactly as the dentist directs.

Although a person’s symptoms may begin to fade after a few doses, taking the complete course of antibiotics helps prevent the illness from returning or becoming stronger.

Many acute infections, according to a study, disappear in 3–7 days.

Other treatment options for tooth infection

Antibiotics may aid in the treatment of an active infection. The tooth, however, will require treatment to keep the infection at bay. This usually entails one or more procedures in the area, such as the following:

  • draining the abscess,
  • filling any cavities,
  • doing a root canal treatment, and
  • extracting the tooth

Therefore, antibiotics are only one element of the cure for a tooth infection. In truth, most tooth infections require treatment on the tooth itself to be entirely resolved.

Home remedies for dental infection

There may also be certain home remedies that can be used to help relieve symptoms, such as:

  • Washing the mouth gently with warm salt water
  • To avoid sensitivity, gently rinse the mouth with baking soda in water and avoid extremely hot or cold foods.
  • To avoid further harm to the area, chew with the other side of the mouth.
  • Brushing around the sensitive area with a soft toothbrush and avoiding particularly sharp, difficult-to-chew foods that may bump against the sensitive area or become lodged in the teeth
  • Practicing healthy oral hygiene by brushing and flossing every day.
  • Visiting the dentist for regular checkups can help to prevent tooth infections and their repercussions.

Conclusion

Antibiotics may aid in the healing of a tooth infection, but they are only half of the answer. To be healed entirely, most tooth infections require a simple dental operation such as a root canal or tooth extraction.

To prevent the infection from spreading, prompt treatment is critical. While taking antibiotics and prepping for the dental operation, some simple home remedies can help reduce swelling and pain.

DISCLAIMER: The advice offered is intended to be informational only and generic in nature. It is in no way offering a definitive diagnosis or specific treatment recommendations for your particular situation. Any advice offered is no substitute for proper evaluation and care by a qualified dentist.