What Antibiotics Treat Tooth Infection If Allergic To Penicillin

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.

How A Dentist Will Treat A Tooth Infection

Once a dentist has determined that you have an infection, the dentist can work to treat the infection, clear out any abscesses that have formed, and assess the damage. You will usually be given a prescription for antibiotics too. If there are abscesses in the tooth or in the gums near the tooth the dentist will go in and clean those pockets out to get rid of the bacteria. Often that can provide immediate relief from the pain of an infected tooth. The dentist will also check your teeth to see if you will need a root canal in order to save the tooth.

When To Skip Antibiotics For Tooth Infection

In some cases, antibiotics may not be necessary. There are three common situations where this applies:

• The infected tooth is completely removed
• A root canal is performed on the infected tooth
• You have an abscess that your dentist is able to drain completely

Some folks look for antibiotics for tooth infections over the counter. However, antibiotics cannot be taken without a doctors prescription. If you believe you have a tooth infection, make an appointment today.

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What Causes A Tooth Abscess

Anything that creates an opening for bacteria to get into the tooth or surrounding tissues can lead to a tooth infection. Causes include:

• Severe tooth decay: A cavity, or tooth decay, is the destruction of the hard surfaces of the tooth. This occurs when bacteria break down sugars in food and drink, creating acid that attacks enamel.
• Broken, chipped or cracked teeth: Bacteria can seep into any opening in a tooth and spread to the pulp.
• Gum disease : Gum disease is an infection and inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. As gum disease progresses, the bacteria gain access to deeper tissues.
• Injury to the tooth: Trauma to a tooth can injure the inner pulp even if theres no visible crack. The injury makes it susceptible to infection.

How Long Does Amoxicillin Take To Work For Tooth Infection

Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics. They work for tooth infections. But dentists try to minimize the use of this drug to prevent any resistance.

Your doctor may pair it with clavulanic acid to enhance its effectiveness. 500mg thrice a day for tooth infection is the loading dose of amoxicillin for tooth abscess.

If youre wondering, how long does amoxicillin take to work for tooth infection? youll most likely feel relief within 48 hours of ingesting the antibiotic. If not, youll feel the change within three to five days.

But its essential to complete the full amoxicillin dosage for tooth infection to recover. Or else, the tooth infection may come back with a big vengeance.

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What Are The Potential Side Effects Of Clindamycin

Patients who have used the drug have described a bitter taste when taken orally, so a full glass of water with each pill is recommended.

While rare, check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

• Cracks in the skin
• Chills or loss of heat from the body
• Red, swollen, or scaly skin

Other potential side effects include nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and if injected, pain at the site of injection.

How Is An Abscessed Tooth Treated

Goals of treatment are to eliminate the infection and prevent complications. Treatment options include:

• Incision and drainage: Your dentist makes a small incision in the abscess to drain the pus. Sometimes a small rubber drain is placed to keep the area open for drainage.
• Root canal: This option helps to eliminate the infection and save your tooth. This common procedure removes the tooths infected inner pulp, and fills the space with material to prevent another infection. The inner pulp is important when the tooth is growing but once its mature, the tooth can survive without the pulp. After the procedure, your tooth should be back to normal, though you may need a crown to protect the root canal. If you care for the restored tooth properly, it can last a lifetime.
• Tooth extraction: Sometimes the tooth cannot be saved, and your dentist may need to pull or extract the tooth allowing pus to drain from the socket.
• Antibiotics: If the infection is limited to the abscessed area, you many not require antibiotics, but sometimes your dentist may recommend them to assist with your dental treatment. It is important to know, that while this medication may help fight off remaining bacteria, it will not get rid of the cause of the infection, which is the affected tooth.

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How Long Should I Take Antibiotics For A Tooth Infection

Typically, antibiotics for a tooth infection are prescribed for one week. Some people may be prescribed a course of antibiotics for longer than a week depending on the severity, type, and location of the infection. Always follow your doctors exact instructions when taking antibiotics.

Patients with weakened immune systems are particularly at risk for spreading of orofacial infections, so antibiotic treatment is highly recommended. Depending on your dosage you may take your antibiotics 2 to 4 times a day.

If you run out of antibiotics and still have a tooth infection, see your doctor or dentist again for follow up care and a prescription refill.

Tooth Infection Treatment: Whatre Your Options

To treat a tooth abscess, your dentist will perform an exam and often take an x-ray to locate your infection and determine its severity and whether it has spread. Based on these findings, treatment options may include:

• Draining the abscess:Your dentist or healthcare provider will administer a local anesthetic and then create an incision in the abscess to drain the pus.
• Performing a root canal treatment:Your dentist will administer an anesthetic and then drill into your infected tooth to remove the pus collected in its interior. After they clean the area, they will fill, seal, and cap the tooth to complete the root canal procedure and ensure that no more bacteria can enter.
• Extracting the tooth:Your dentist may recommend extracting a tooth if it is too damaged to save. Once they pull your tooth, they will drain the area of any remaining pus to treat the abscess and relieve your pain.

In most cases, the American Dental Association recommends that dentists treat abscesses and other causes of dental pain with appropriate dental procedures and pain relievers, not antibiotics.

To manage your pain, your dentist may suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen , acetaminophen , or naproxen before or after your dental procedure.

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What Risk Factors Can Lead To Complications From An Abscess

There are several risk factors that can increase your chances of having complications from a dental abscess, including:

• older age

• It can potentially take several months for a dental abscess to develop.
• Once an abscess has formed, noticeable pain and swelling around the affected tooth usually occur.
• If left untreated, it may take a few more weeks or months for the infection to spread to other tissues and cause complications. However, once this has happened, death can occur quickly.
• Factors like older age, having diabetes, or being immunocompromised can increase your risk of complications from a dental abscess.

Overall, these facts underline the importance of seeking prompt medical care if youre experiencing persistent pain or swelling around a tooth. When treated early, most tooth infections can be resolved without serious complications.

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Antibiotic For Tooth Infection : Amoxicillin

Doxycycline 100 mg once daily. It is the lowest dosage of all antibiotics.

Amoxicillin 500 mg thrice daily.

Penicillin VK 300-600 mg four times/day.

Cephalexin 250-500 mg four times/day.

Erythromycin 250-500 mg four times/day.

Metronidazole 250-500 mg thrice/day.

Tetracycline 250-500 mg four times/day.

Clindamycin 150-300 mg four times/day.

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Determining Infection Source And Appropriate Course Of Treatment

Endodontic infections are polymicrobial and are made up of predominantly anaerobic bacteria and some facultative bacteria. A tooth with an infected nonvital pulp is a reservoir of infection that is isolated from the patients immune response and will eventually produce a periradicular inflammatory response. When the microbes invade the periradicular tissues, abscess and cellulitis may develop. The severity of this infection is dependent on the pathogenicity of the microbes and the resistance of the host. This response may not only give rise to an immunopathogenic and protective response but may also be destructive to the surrounding tissues and contribute to the adverse signs and symptoms.

The spread of infection and the associated inflammatory response will continue until the source of infection is removed. Patient evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of the source of infection are of utmost importance.

What Happens If You Dont Treat Your Tooth Infection

Dental infections were once a common cause of death. Modern advancements in dentistry, improvements in oral health , and antibiotics have considerably improved the outlook for tooth infection patients.

If you suspect that you or someone you know has a tooth infection, seek dental care immediately. Most tooth infections do not resolve on their own and require medical intervention to treat properly.

Even if your abscess ruptures on its own, it may not empty completely, leaving bacteria to potentially develop into serious, sometimes life-threatening infections in other parts of your body. If your infection does resolve on its own, it is likely to recur unless the underlying gum or tooth disease is treated by your dentist.

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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.

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

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Clindamycin For Tooth Infection: Benefits & Side Effects

An infected tooth is an emergency, and treatment for the infection should not be delayed.

Not only can the pain be severe, especially while eating or drinking, but a dental infection can soon lead to an abscessed tooth and other complications.

Fortunately, tooth infections can usually be treated by a course of antibiotics before they develop into abscesses.

One common treatment is clindamycin, an antibiotic that is used by enough patients worldwide to be on the World Health Organization Model List of Essential Medicines.

Clindamycin is particularly valuable for the millions of people who are allergic to or intolerant of penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotics like amoxicillin.

In this article Ill explain how to know when a toothache is actually an infection, and when you see a doctor.

Ill discuss when clindamycin may be appropriate for tooth infection.

Ill also help you determine whether or not clindamycin is the right antibiotic to help with your infection, and talk about who is best suited for a prescription of this antibioticand who should avoid it.

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Antibiotics Used In Dentistry

• Penicillin: A common class of antibiotic with minor side effects that treats a broad range of bacterial infections
• Amoxicillin and ampicillin: Antibiotics in the penicillin family that treat a greater variety of infections
• Metronidazole: An antibiotic with antimicrobial properties that is regularly used to treat acute ulcerative gingivitis and is frequently used in conjunction with penicillin
• Erythromycin: A broad spectrum antibiotic administered to patients allergic to penicillin
• Cephalosporin: An antibiotic appropriate for those with penicillin allergies and used to treat a range of bacterial infections
• Tetracycline: An antibiotic used to treat a spectrum of infections, can cause grey stains on erupting teeth, and should not be prescribed to pregnant women or children under 12
• Sulphonamides: A group of antibiotics that can penetrate cerebrospinal fluid, often prescribed as a prophylactic to prevent bacterial meningitis for those with high infection risk
• Co-trimoxazole: An antibiotic that targets specific bacterial infections and requires a bacteriological sensitivity test

Wilson W, Taubert KA, Gewitz M, Lockhart PB, Baddour LM, Levison M, et al.

Circulation 2007 116:1736-54.

Wilson W, Taubert KA, Gewitz M, Lockhart PB, Baddour LM, Levison M, et al.

J Am Dent Assoc 2008 139 Suppl:3S-24S Accessed July 2018.

What is antibiotic prophylaxis. American Dental Association. J Amer Dent Assoc. 2016. Vol. 147 p. 526.

Some Natural Remedies Include:

• Salt water rinse: rinsing your mouth with salt water promotes wound healing, healthy gums and is an affordable alternative to seeing the dentist
• Baking soda: great for removing excess plaque, it also has antibacterial properties
• Oregano, clove and/or thyme oil: known to be antibacterial and anti-oxidizing, these oils all contain anti-inflammatory properties to help relieve pain
• Cold compress packs: reduce swelling and numbs the pain
• Garlic: rubbing a clove of garlic on the infected area will reduce the pain and kill bacteria

If youre having symptoms of a tooth infection, such as persistent throbbing pain, swelling and sensitivity to temperature or pressure, see a doctor or dentist as soon as possible. If your dentist prescribes antibiotics, follow the instructions carefully and finish the prescription. Even if the infection seems mild, it can quickly become serious without proper treatment.

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Drug Interactions Of Amoxicillin Vs Penicillin

Amoxicillin and penicillin can interact with several other medications. Penicillin-type antibiotics may interact with methotrexate, a drug often used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Taking amoxicillin or amoxicillin can affect how the body processes methotrexate, which may lead to toxicity.

Antigout medications like probenecid and allopurinol can lead to increased blood levels of amoxicillin or penicillin. This interaction may lead to increased side effects.

The effectiveness of amoxicillin and penicillin may be reduced when theyre taken with birth control pills or other antibiotics.

Combining amoxicillin or penicillin with warfarin may affect how warfarin is processed in the body. This may result in an increased risk of bleeding.

This may not be a complete list of all possible drug interactions. Consult a doctor with all the medications you may be taking.

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.

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Use Of The Antibiotics For Abscess During Pregnancy

Cefotaxime and Cefoperazone, as well as Jozamycin as antibiotics for abscess during pregnancy may be used only if there are strong indications.

Clindamycin is not used in the treatment of pregnant women.

Jozamycin Allowed for use during pregnancy and during breastfeeding after assessing the risk-benefit ratio of treatment.

And data on the teratogenic effects of Doxycycline and Amoxiclav preparations are not available, but Doxycillin is prohibited for long periods of pregnancy.

Treatment Of Dental Abscesses

Prior to the discovery of antibiotics and the development of endodontic therapy, the only way to treat abscessed teeth was to remove them. Luckily, that is no longer the case.

Treatment for a tooth abscess depends on the severity of the infection. Your dentist may recommend root canal treatment, which involves removing the infected nerves and sealing the root canal to prevent the spread of infection, as the Mayo Clinic explains. Your dentist may also need to drain the abscess if pus has accumulated. If the tooth cannot be saved, the dentist may need to remove the tooth entirely.

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Antibiotic Therapy During Pregnancy

The physiological changes of pregnancy can affect the condition of the oral cavity such as increasing the risk of gingivitis and pyogenic granuloma . Preventive or therapeutic interventions during this period should be carried out to preserve the health of both mother and her neonate, enhance maternal oral health, and reduce children’s future oral problems . In this regard, it has been mentioned that the mothers with poor oral hygiene who have a higher number of microorganisms in their saliva, especially Streptococcus mutans, can easily transmit the infection to the infant causing several serious problems for them . It should be also noted that most of the dental procedures are not emergencies and can be postponed after delivery however, acute dental infections should be managed during pregnancy .

The drug prescription during the pregnancy should be done more cautiously, as the inappropriate prescription could irrecoverably harm the fetus. In dental practice, the main agents that are commonly used during pregnancy and are considered to be safe during this period are analgesics, anesthetic agents, and antibiotics . Food and Drug Administration has classified drugs into 5 groups based on their risk factors during pregnancy , and most of the antibiotics are classified to be in class B of FDA arrangement . Furthermore, the pregnant patients should receive a complete adult dose with the usual length of treatment .