Wednesday, March 20, 2024

What Antibiotic Can I Use For Tooth Infection

How Long Does It Take For Amoxicillin To Work For A Tooth Infection

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

If you take the amoxicillin antibiotic for tooth infection, you may begin to feel better in just one to two days. However, that doesn’t mean that your infection is cured.

You must make sure to take your antibiotics for as many days as specified in your prescription, and even though you may feel better in a couple of days, your infection probably won’t be gone until a week to 10 days have passed.

Bacteria And Tooth Decay

To understand why your dentist might prescribe antibiotics for a toothache, you must first understand how bacteria contribute to tooth decay and toothaches. Without regular, twice-daily brushing with proper technique, the bacteria in your mouth can grow and turn the foods you eat into acid that then gets deposited on your teeth. This promotes cavity formation and tooth decay. As the American Dental Association explains, frequent sugar intake can especially fuel the bacteria that break down tooth structure. The type of bacteria that primarily cause cavities is Streptococcus mutans, as a study in PLOS ONE notes.

Can You Be Allergic To Clindamycin

Allergic reactions rarely happen after taking Clindamycin. If youre experiencing rashes, visit your doctor or dentist. You may have a drug allergy.Its out of common, but Clindamycin can also cause anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening reaction.If Clindamycin doesnt suit you, youll most probably experience allergic symptoms within 30 minutes following the drug intake.

  • itchy hives
  • swollen throat, making it difficult to breathe or swallow
  • tightness in chest
  • vomiting
  • sense of impending doom

An anaphylactic reaction to Clindamycin will rarely occur, but you should know about the signs so you can call for a medical emergency.

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Best Natural Antibiotics For Cats

When your cat becomes ill due to a bacterial infection, a wound or an abscess, youll probably take her to the vet for checkup and treatment.

Other times, you choose to give her antibiotics for her condition. Unknown to many people, the type of antibiotic you choose really determines the quality of health of your cat going forward.

On one side are synthetic antibiotics, and on the other are the natural ones. Heres why you should opt to help your feline friend with natural antibiotics.

An Argument For Extracting The Tooth

Can I Use Antibiotics for My Tooth Pain?

That sounds pretty good, doc. So why would you ever extract a tooth? you might ask. In my opinion, there are two scenarios where you would choose to extract a tooth rather than save it by doing a root canal with PIPS/SWEEPS.

Some teeth are just too far gone. Sometimes a tooth has been worked on too many times in the past, and it is just not viable anymore. This includes too many root canals being attempted when its clear that there is something structurally wrong with the tooth that a root canal cannot resolve. Here is an image of an old root canal tooth that has become reinfected. See that black area at the end of the root. This is bacteria draining from the tooth even after the root canal has been done. Wait a minute doc, I thought root canals were supposed to resolve tooth infections. Well, usually they do but not always. Additionally, the tooth can become re-infected.

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What Is The Best Antibiotic For Tooth Infection Treatment

In many cases, antibiotics from the penicillin class, including penicillin and amoxicillin, are the best antibiotics for tooth infection. But that doesn’t mean these are the right choices for everyone! In fact, antibiotics may not be what you need even If you have a tooth infection.

You should never take an antibiotic without a prescription from your dentist or doctor. Many people take antibiotics without a prescription, and this is leading to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

That means that some bacterial infections can no longer be treated with antibiotics which is a scary thought!

Instead of antibiotics, your dentist may decide that the best course of action is to drain your abscess, perform a root canal, or possibly remove the infected tooth.

That being said, you are more likely to receive antibiotics for a tooth infection when your infection is severe and spreading or if you are an individual with a weakened immune system.

The best antibiotic for a tooth infection will depend on the type of bacteria that is causing your infection and the location of your infection. That’s because different classes of antibiotics work in different ways to fight bacteria.

This is one of the reasons why it’s essential to take the antibiotic exactly as prescribed by your dentist until you’ve finished your prescribed course of treatment. Your dentist or doctor will know which is the best drug to take for your infection based on your medical history and the type of infection.

Antibiotics Will Not Solve A Tooth Infection

I have what I suspect is a tooth infection. Im not a big fan of dentists. I do have some antibiotics at my house that my doctor had prescribed for me in case I got sick during the quarantine. I tend to get a sinus infection about once a quarter. Can I just fill that antibiotic and deal with it that way? Its a Z-pack.

Fannie

Dear Fannie,

Im glad you wrote. Using antibiotics to treat a tooth infection is a common misconception. Dental infections work differently. Theyre considered a dental emergency. Heres why. When a tooth is infected, it doesnt take long for the pulp of the tooth to die. When that happens, there is no blood flow in the tooth. When this happens, there is no way for the antibiotic to get to the infection. The only way to solve it at that point is for a dentist to get in there and physically remove the infected tissue.

There are two ways to do this. The first is to get a root canal treatment and dental crown. This is ideal because it saves your tooth. Natural tooth structure is always best. However, if you dont get to the dentist in time, it is very likely your tooth wont be able to be saved. Instead, the tooth will have to be extracted. If this happens, youre then looking at the necessity to replace a tooth.

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Taking Antibiotics For Oral Infections

For dental infections, dentists will often prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin, explains Merck Manuals. Clindamycin is also a commonly prescribed alternative for those allergic to penicillin. Your dentist will be sure to identify the right dose and duration of medication for your particular situation. Because over-prescription of antibiotics can sometimes lead to more resistant strains of bacteria, your dentist will also take antibiotic resistance into consideration when they prescribe your dose, as the ADA explains.

It’s important to take the full course of pills exactly as your dentist prescribes for the best outcome. Just remember, even if the pain resolves, you’ll likely still need further treatment to fully restore your tooth.

Is Clindamycin Safe For Everyone

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Even if youre pregnant or breastfeeding, Clindamycin is safe for you. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor if your child has diarrhea or diaper rash.Before starting the course of Clindamycin for your tooth infection, discuss with your dentist if you had any allergic reactions to the medicine previously. Also, tell your provider if you have a digestive issue that causes diarrhea.Clindamycin can create problems with some medications, so tell your doctor if you are taking the following:

  • erythromycin
  • muscle relaxants

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Treatment Of Dental Abscesses

The usual treatment for a dental abscess is to drain pus as soon as it is possible to do so. This will be done surgically, either by a dentist or a maxillofacial surgeon, a surgeon that has trained as a dentist as well as a doctor and handles complex jaw, tooth and mouth conditions. They may make an incision in the gum or drill a hole in the tooth to allow the pus to drain.

Once the pus has drained away, the area will be cleaned. In periapical abscesses, all dead pulpal tissue will be removed to prevent infection recurring. In periodontal abscesses, a very deep cleaning of the teeth and specifically the gum and roots will be done. A root canal may also be necessary if the whole tooth is compromised. If the decay is severe, the tooth may be removed.

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.

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When Are Antibiotics Needed

Your mouth is full of bacteria: some good, some bad. When the harmful bacteria spreads and turns into infections, antibiotics are used to stop bacteria growth. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, sometimes a dentist prescribes prophylactic antibiotics before treatment to prevent typical mouth bacteria from creating infections. Those with the following conditions may require prophylaxis:

  • Heart problems

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What Causes A Tooth Infection

Antibiotics for tooth infections: Can I use amoxicillin for toothache?

Tooth infections are caused by bacteria that makes its way inside the sensitive area under your tooth, called the pulp. This can happen because of tooth decay , gum disease or a cracked tooth. The pulp has soft tissue, nerves and blood vessels. Bacterial infection may cause pus to build in this sensitive area. Symptoms can include:

  • Pain
  • Fever
  • Bad tastes in the mouth

A tooth infection should always be treated. A tooth abscess can spread into the soft tissues of your mouth or throat. This can cause a more serious infection and can even interfere with breathing or swallowing.

  • American Dental Association. Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline on Antibiotic Use for the Urgent Management of Pulpal- and Periapical-Related Dental Pain and Intraoral Swelling: A Report from the American Dental Association: . .
  • American Academy of Family Physicians. Dental Problems in Primary Care. December 1, 2018. Available at: . .
  • American Dental Association. Abscess . Available at: . .
  • American Dental Association. Oral Health Topics: Oral Analgesics for Acute Dental Pain. September 15, 2020. Available at: . .
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    Best Antibiotic For Tooth Infection

    Which antibiotic is used for a tooth infection depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection and whether youre allergic to any antibiotics.

    Common antibiotics prescribed for tooth infections include:

    • Penicillin is the most common antibiotic for tooth infections. Depending on the type of bacteria and location of the infection, penicillin alone may not be effective. It is commonly prescribed alongside another antibiotic, such as Flagyl.
    • Amoxicillin is often given to adult patients with mild tooth infections that dont display signs of sepsis.
    • Clindamycin is usually given to penicillin allergic patients.

    Remember, even if you start to feel better, you must always take the full course of antibiotic prescribed to you. Despite improved symptoms, failing to take all of your antibiotics could allow for the development of antibiotic resistance and the reemergence of a much worse infection.

    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.

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    Can You Get Antibiotics For Tooth Infection Over The Counter

    No, you cannot get antibiotics for tooth infection over the counter. In order to get antibiotics to help treat a tooth infection, you will need to receive a prescription from a licensed doctor.

    PlushCare can help you get antibiotics for tooth infection. You can book a convenient virtual appointment with one of our expert online doctors and discuss your symptoms. If the physician determines that you need antibiotics to treat your tooth infection, a prescription will then be electronically sent for you to pick up at a nearby pharmacy of your choice.

    How Much Should I Take

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    Youll likely be prescribed a seven-day course of clindamycin for a tooth infection. On each of those seven days, youll likely need to take a dose every six hours or so.

    There may be one or two capsules in a dose. Be sure to carefully follow the instructions provided with your prescription.

    You can take clindamycin either before or after eating. Some people experience throat irritation when taking clindamycin, but following the dose with a full glass of water can help you avoid this.

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    Can Clindamycin Cause Any Side Effects

    Taking Clindamycin for tooth infection can cause many side effects, such as:

    • diarrhea
    • vomiting
    • reduced appetite

    A simple, bland diet while taking Clindamycin can help prevent or minimize nausea or vomiting. Spicy or rich foods can upset the stomach, so its better to avoid them. Probiotics can help with the growth of good gut bacteria and reduce the side effects.If you have persistent watery diarrhea while youre taking Clindamycin, ask your doctor before you continue with the treatment. Sometimes Clindamycin can make you more vulnerable to infection with Clostridium difficile.C. diff occurs when the balance of your gut bacteria is disturbed. This can occur while youre taking antibiotics. The bacteria can outgrow and cause severe infection.Here are the symptoms of C. diff:

    • frequent watery diarrhea with blood or pus
    • low-grade fever
    • reduced appetite

    What About Pain Treatment

    Until the antibiotic kills all of the infection, you may need a pain reliever. The American Dental Association recommends that pain treatment start with a prescription or over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug , such as:

    In some cases, an NSAID may be combined with acetaminophen .

    In the past, dental pain was more often treated with prescription opioids, but the ADA notes that NSAIDs have been shown to be more effective for tooth pain. If an opioid is needed, a doctor or dentist will prescribe it at the lowest effective dose for a limited amount of time.

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    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.

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    Who Needs Antibiotics Before Dental Work

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    Most patients don’t require antibiotics before dental work. Immune systems are more than capable of handling these bacteria, but there are some people who may need antibiotics after oral surgery. This may include those have had or have:

    • Heart conditions, including congenital heart defects and disease
    • An artificial heart valve
    • Knee or hip replacement surgery
    • Diabetes
    • Cancer
    • Infective endocarditis

    Always make sure to share your full medical history with your doctor before surgery or dental work, even if you think it’s not relevant, so they know if they need to prescribe antibiotics before or after dental work.

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    Common Toothache Causes And Treatments

    When bacteria break down a tooth’s surface, forming a cavity, the inner chamber of the tooth becomes vulnerable. This inner chamber contains the nerves that supply your tooth with sensation. When bacteria reach this chamber, it can be painful and lead to more severe dental problems that may require antibiotic treatment.

    There are many causes for a toothache, including cavities, inflamed pulp tissue and dental abscesses, according to Merck Manuals. Having a cavity in a tooth does not necessarily mean that you will need antibiotics. As the Mayo Clinic explains, cavities are often treated with fillings, or possibly crowns, based on how much of the tooth is infected. 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 can’t be repaired, the dentist may need to extract the tooth.

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