Common Toothache Causes And Treatments
When bacteria start to break down your tooth structure it can form a cavity that can either be fixed by your dentist with a simple filling or a crown. But if the cavity is not stopped early enough the decay can continue to grow and eventually reach the center of the tooth where the nerves are. Once the nerves become affected by the decay this can cause immense amounts of pain, and lead to an infection.
When a tooth infection reaches the nerve of the tooth, it may require a root canal and a protective cover to seal bacteria out of the tooth. Additionally, if a tooth is so broken down by a cavity that it cant be repaired, the dentist may need to extract the tooth.
Why Should You Treat A Bacterial Tooth Infection With Antibiotics
Any infection that is in your head or neck, such as a tooth infection, should be taken very seriously. This is because the infection may spread to your braina potentially life threatening condition.
Bacterial infections are unlikely to go away on their own. Most oral bacterial infections need antibiotic treatment to fight off the infection. Without antibiotics for a tooth infection, you risk allowing the infection to spread.
Antibiotic Prophylaxis For Dental Work
Your dentist may prescribe preventative antibiotics for certain dental services or before the treatment of your dental infection this is called antibiotic prophylaxis.
During certain dental treatments, the bacteria that reside in your mouth may enter the bloodstream, and prophylactic antibiotics can prevent infection.
Read Also: Best Antibiotic For Streptococcus Pneumoniae
What Is A Dental Abscess
A dental abscess is a swelling filled with pus in or around a tooth that is caused by a bacterial infection. There are various types of abscesses.
- Tooth infection: The infection and swelling can begin inside a tooth.
- Periapical abscess: The infection spreads to the tissue below the tooth.
- Periodontal abscess: The infection builds up in a tooth’s surrounding tissues.
- Pericoronal abscess: The infection builds up in the gum tissues covering a tooth that hasn’t fully emerged.
- Gingival abscess : The infection spreads to the gums themselves.
No matter what the type, an abscess usually hurts. The pain can come on quickly and become unbearable in a day or two. In most cases, tooth pain is what drives a patient to seek treatment.
A tooth abscess can range from a minor infection to a severe and even life-threatening infection that has spread to other parts of the face or body. While most tooth abscess treatments are outpatient, some end up in an emergency room. More than half of dental-related emergency room visits are due to dental abscesses. The most severe infections may require hospitalization.
At this stage, the infection is not an abscess. The infection will gradually make its way through the root canal, eventually killing the tissue, and emerging from the bottom, or apex, of the tooth. From there, it infects the bone and tissue at the apex of the root, causing a periapical abscess.
How Can I Tell If My Tooth Infection Has Spread
Untreated infections in your mouth can travel to other areas, including your face, jaw, and neck, which can be life-threatening. Very rarely, infection can travel to your brain. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms along with your tooth pain, get medical help right away:
-
Fever
-
Skin redness or swelling in your neck or face
-
Pain with opening your mouth or touching your jaw or face
-
Sore throat
-
Changes in mood or vision
-
Confusion and extreme drowsiness
-
Severe pain and overall feeling of being unwell
Untreated tooth infections can also spread to your bloodstream. This can cause a life-threatening infection called sepsis or even travel to your heart.
If you have any symptoms that might indicate your tooth infection has spread, visit an emergency department immediately.
Also Check: Can I Buy Antibiotics At The Store
Some Things To Take Into The Consideration Are:
*What are the signs and symptoms?
*Is it a diagnoses that a dentist sees regularly, as some conditions that he/she sees do not need antibiotics, and then some others do need to be treated under the antibiotic coverage.
The dentist might simply drain the infected area, remove the infected area of the tooth, or simply fix it by the root canal treatment. Dentists generally avoid recommending antibiotics, unless the spreading nature of the infection is severe, or if the person suffering has a weakened immune system.
Some examples explaining the need for antibiotics in tooth infections:
In case of spontaneous pain, the diagnosis is often related to the pulpal inflammation. This pulpal inflammation does not necessarily have bacteria. Hence, antibiotics are of no use in such cases.
In the other cases, where the pain is of a chronic type and the sensitivity test comes back negative, there is a possibility that the pulp is dead, and this area of necrosis has become home to some bacteria. Here, even though the bacteria is present causing the infection in the pulp area, the source of infection in most cases is the tooth itself. As the pulp is dead, there is no blood supply, hence the infection is not systemic. In such cases too, the antibiotics are of no use, as the drug cant reach systemically to the area of infection where there is no blood supply.
So then question arises: When should someone use an antibiotic?
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.
Don’t Miss: Antibiotics For Dogs At Tractor Supply
Parapharyngeal Abscesses And Ludwigs Angina
Parapharyngeal abscesses and Ludwigâs angina can both cause swelling severe enough to obstruct the airways and cause difficulty breathing. Parapharyngeal abscesses require a and needle aspiration to diagnose. Ludwigâs angina is diagnosed by, needle aspiration and X-rays.
Treatment for Ludwigâs angina, parapharyngeal abscess, osteomyelitis, cellulitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis involves drainage of any pus that is present, possibly via surgery and antibiotics and possibly intravenous antibiotics. People affected by Ludwigâs angina, if untreated, may require a tracheostomy to open their airways and thereby help them breathe if the swelling obstructs the windpipe.
What Other Drugs Will Affect Penicillin
Before taking penicillin V, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
methotrexate or
-
probenecid .
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with penicillin V. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Read Also: How To Build Good Gut Bacteria After Antibiotics
Home Remedies And Otc Medications For Tooth Infections
Home remedies and over-the-counter medications can help ease your symptoms as youre taking antibiotics.Painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are common OTC drugs to help with toothache. You can also try these easy tricks and home remedies to help with the pain:
- Rinse your mouth with warm saltwater
- Rinse your mouth with a mixture of water and baking soda
- Brush with a soft-bristle brush
- Avoid hot or cold foods
- Avoid chewing with the infected tooth
The Best Options Of Antibiotics For Toothache Here Is Our Recommendation
Are you looking for the best options of antibiotics for a toothache? Here is our prescription of antibiotics for toothache as recommended by our dentists and experts
Toothache is always painful and it may disturb your day to day activities or ruin your sleep. The major problem is that there is no instant cure for a toothache. Over the counter, painkillers might relieve your pain temporary but it will re-occur again. Your best option is to use antibiotics to treat the pain for a few days if you want an instant cure for toothache.
Although, it is recommended to visit your dentist if your pain persists or ask your dentist before using any antibiotics listed in this article.
Recommended Reading: What Is The Best Antibiotic For Cystic Acne
What To Do If You Have A Tooth Infection
If you suspect that you have a tooth infection, see a dentist immediately. Theyll be able to assess the damage and suggest appropriate treatment for it.
Sometimes, the dentist wont recommend medication. Instead, theyll drain or remove the infected area, extract the tooth, or perform a root canal.
However, if the infection is severe or spreading, the only way to treat the tooth infection is with antibiotics.
When Does A Toothache Require Antibiotics
When the dental infection is severe or impacts the gum around an erupting tooth, your dentist may recommend antibiotics. For instance, pericoronitis is an infection in the gum tissue that can develop around impacted wisdom teeth. Patients with this condition may be given antibiotics as part of their treatment.
Additionally, if your dentist notices signs of a dental abscess a tooth infection that can develop from an untreated cavity, they may recommend antibiotics.
Read Also: What Antibiotics Do You Take For Pneumonia
Related Resources For Dental Abscess And Tooth Infections
- 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week
* Prescription savings vary by prescription and by pharmacy, and may reach up to 80% off cash price.
Pharmacy names, logos, brands, and other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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.
What To Do If Antibiotics Don’t Fix Your Tooth Abscess
The most common sign of an abscess is a severe, persistent, throbbing toothache.
Also Check: Antibiotics For Gum Disease Treatment
Are Natural Antibiotics Effective
If a bacterial infection of the oral cavity needs to be cured, a natural remedy may not be as effective as a drug. There is no scientific evidence to support the use of homoeopathic remedies to treat infections. However, there are natural treatments that can play an important role in counteracting the development of oral cavity infections.
We suggest the use of
ice to reduce inflammations and swelling
clove infusion to relieve pain
ventilated green clay, with bactericidal and purifying properties
essential oils, aloe vera gel, propolis and echinacea that fortify the body by acting naturally on the immune system.
Home Treatment Of Dental Abscesses
Although essential oil of cloves can be used to manage the pain and sensitivity associated with dental abscesses, it will not cure the abscess. Abscesses will not go away on their own and cannot be treated at home. Untreated abscesses can develop secondary infections and other serious complications that are extremely hazardous to health . It is possible for an untreated abscess to become a medical emergency requiring urgent care from a doctor or dentist. It may also lead to jaw bone loss.
Only a qualified medical or dental professional is properly equipped to administer treatment for an abscess safely and effectively. It is strongly advised that people affected by abscesses, or who suspect they may have a dental abscess, seek out the advice of a dentist as soon as they can. It is not safe to try to drain an abscess at home or to leave an abscess untreated.
Read Also: Antibiotics For H Pylori Eradication
Can You Take Doxycycline For A Toothache
Doxycycline is part of the tetracycline class of antibiotics. It isn’t typically a first-choice antibiotic rather, it is reserved for more serious infections.
Therefore, doxycycline should only be taken for a toothache if that toothache is caused by a severe infection and your dentist has prescribed it to you.
Doxycycline can also be used to help prevent the breakdown of gum tissue and help with the reduction of gum pockets in patients who have gum disease. At that dosage, however, it won’t treat bacterial infections.
Doxycycline for a tooth infection is not recommended in children under 12 because antibiotics from the tetracycline class can cause permanent tooth staining in children. It’s also not suitable for pregnant women.
Treatment For Dental Infections
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.
Don’t Miss: Side Effects Of Bv Antibiotics
Dental Trauma And Infection
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.
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 a GP, as there’s 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 111 who can give you details of dental services in your area
- your local A& E if you’re having difficulty breathing or swallowing, or there’s swelling around your eye or neck
You may have to pay for emergency NHS dental treatment, depending on your circumstances.
You May Like: Antibiotics For Infection Over The Counter
Natural Antibiotics For Tooth Infections
The pain that comes with an infected tooth is some of the worst pain that you can experience. Due to the fact that there are hundreds of nerve endings in your mouth and gums, an infected tooth can sometimes lead to excruciating amounts of pain.
The pain can sometimes magnify and creep up to the head causing full-on, throbbing headaches in addition to the tooth and jaw pain. Aside from the fact that any infection, no matter where it occurs, should be looked at and tended to immediately, tooth infections are especially important. But the good news is, you don’t have to shell out a bunch of money on antibiotics and a dentist visit just to heal it.
Here are some of the top natural antibiotics for tooth infections.
1. ClovesYou can use fresh leaves or you can use the oil form of cloves in order to treat a tooth infection. Cloves contain one of the most potent anti-inflammatory agents within it, which makes it great for the swelling and puffiness that comes with an infected tooth. It also is high in antioxidant and antibacterial properties, which means that it helps to clean the infected area upon contact.
Clove has naturally occurring eugenol, which is a phenylpropene that helps to increase the helpful elements of the herb. Try grinding the leaves into a paste, add some coconut oil and put it directly on the infected tooth. If you are using clove oil, add two drops into warm water and gargle it twice a day, concentrating specifically on the area of your mouth that’s infected.
Tooth Abscess: Common Questions And Answers
Is a tooth abscess an emergency?
It is difficult to predict how a dental infection will spread, so it is best to assume that a tooth abscess is an emergency. Any visible swelling in the gums, whether it causes pain or not, could be dangerous, and you should seek urgent dental care.
Can a tooth abscess go away on its own?
A tooth abscess will not go away on its own. If the abscess is not drained by a dentist, it can spread to other areas of your body, including the jaw, head, or neck.
How do I know if my tooth abscess is spreading?
Symptoms that a tooth abscess has spread to other parts of your body include fever, swelling, dehydration, increased heart rate, increased breathing rate, and stomach pain.
Is a tooth abscess hard or soft?
Most abscesses are soft and warm to the touch. However, they can be firm in some cases.
Recommended Reading: Is Herpes Treatable With Antibiotics
Do I Need Antibiotics For A Tooth Infection
If the dentist recommends antibiotics for your infection, its best to take them. They wouldnt prescribe them if it wasnt absolutely necessary.
However, before you take your medicine, you should get to know the different types of antibiotics dentists usually prescribe. This will help you learn what you can expect from them.
