Causes Of Dental Abscesses
Dental abscesses are the result of bacterial infection. When the gum tissue surrounding a tooth becomes damaged or the tooth itself is damaged, bacteria that are already in the mouth and, under usual circumstances not harmful, may enter the area and cause infection.
One of the most common causes of damage to the teeth and gums is poor dental hygiene, such as inadequate brushing and flossing, high sugar or carbohydrate consumption, and lack of regular checkups at the dentist. These factors may lead to dental caries or cavities, gingivitis and periodontitis, which can admit bacteria to the inside of the tooth or the gum. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is therefore one of the best ways of reducing the risk of developing dental abscesses, as it removes one of the main causes of abscesses.
Dangers Of An Unresolved Dental Abscesses
Leaving an abscess untreated will lead to serious medical complications in addition to severe pain. The infection will spread to other parts of your body, including your brain and nearby organs.
A dental abscess infection that travels to the brain is very difficult to treat because of the blood-brain barrier. Its also common for infections to spread into the sinuses.
An infection in your teeth or gums might indicate that you have heart health problems. Researchers believe gum disease is linked to heart disease and heart attack risk.
The infection can also spread to the surrounding bones. Facial bones are especially intolerant to infection. There is a high risk that bone removal will be needed to stop the further spread of the infection.
Even if you have a mild abscess, it can spread and weaken the bones, which creates problems in the future for your teeth.
An untreated abscess also poses a risk for tooth loss. Usually, a root canal and crown are enough to save the affected tooth. However, left untreated, theres a high likelihood your dentist will need to pull the tooth.
One of the most serious issues linked to untreated dental abscesses is . This is an infection in the bloodstream and it puts your entire body at risk.
If the abscess is not treated in time and it ruptures, the infection can spill into your blood and circulate throughout your body. and requires IV antibiotic treatment and long-term hospitalization.
Summary
How Much Should I Take
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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What Causes An Abscess
Causes of abscesses Most abscesses are caused by a bacterial infection. When bacteria enter your body, your immune system sends infection-fighting white blood cells to the affected area. As the white blood cells attack the bacteria, some nearby tissue dies, creating a hole which then fills with pus to form an abscess.
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.
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Dental Antibiotics For Tooth Infection And Abscesses: Types And Dosage
Are dental antibiotics for tooth infection always needed? Not necessarily. There are multiple ways to treat oral health problems without antibiotics, including root canals and fillings or tooth extraction.
In some cases, however, antibiotics can save lives. But the key is to only take them when you need them and always follow your healthcare provider’s exact instructions.
Keep reading to find out more about:
- Who can and can’t take certain antibiotics
- Usual antibiotics dosages
What Causes A Tooth Infection
The primary cause of a tooth infection is dental caries, or tooth decay. Your mouth is full of bacteria all the time, but usually that bacteria doesnt get inside your teeth where it can cause an infection. When decay causes cavities and cracks or holes in your teeth, bacteria can seep into your teeth and cause a tooth infection. An infection can also happen if you have an injury to your tooth that causes a crack or a chip in the tooth. Keeping your teeth strong and healthy through regular brushing and flossing can help prevent decay and infections.
Infection can happen in different parts of the tooth. Sometimes the infection occurs on the side of the tooth if there is an opening there and that can cause the infection to spread to the gums. Pockets of pus called abscesses can form around the infection that will need to be drained by the dentist for the infection to go away.
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Whats The Difference Between Sinusitis And Rhinitis In Dogs
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the lining of the sinuses. The sinuses are air-filled, bony cavities that connect with the nasal cavities. During a sinus infection, these cavities become filled with fluid and develop inflamed lining.
Rhinitis is the inflammation of the mucous membranes of the nose. If both the nose and sinus cavities are affected, the term rhinosinusitis is used.
Both of these conditions can occur alone, or as part of an upper respiratory infection. They also appear similar in dogs, causing many of the same signs of illness.
About 35 million Americans suffer from a sinus infection or sinusitis every year. Sinusitis is an inflammation, or swelling, of the tissue lining the sinuses that leads to an infection. It can result in mucus build-up and pain. If youve ever experienced a sinus infection, then you know just how unpleasant it can be much worse than a stuffy nose. While in most cases, a sinus infection will simply leave you running to find a decongestant, in the worst cases, it can lead to surgery to remove an abscess that has developed or the obstruction of the sinuses.
In the United States, sinusitis is the fifth most common medical diagnosis for which antibiotics are prescribed these days. The management of acute and chronic sinusitis is also costing this country over $11 billion every year. That doesnt even include the economic impact of lost work time due to illness.
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Where Are Sinuses Located
There are a few different sinuses located in the facial area around the cheeks, nose, and above the eyes. The diagram below gives you a little better idea of where the sinuses are, and how they look when they are healthy, versus how they look when they are infected.
If you look at the diagram above and imagine a row of upper teeth, you can see how the roots of the upper teeth come into close contact with those sinuses on each side of the nose. These sinuses are known as the maxillary sinuses. While there are several sets of sinuses, the maxillary sinuses are the only sinuses that can also be infected by a tooth-related problem.
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Symptoms Of A Tooth Infection
- Severe, persistent, throbbing toothache that can radiate to the jawbone, neck, or ear
- Sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures
- Sensitivity to the pressure of chewing or biting
- Fever
- Swelling in your face or cheek
- Tender, swollen lymph nodes under your jaw or in your neck
- A sudden rush of foul-smelling and foul-tasting, salty fluid in your mouth and pain relief if the abscess ruptures
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
What Is A Tooth Abscess
An abscess is a pocket of pus that accumulates when a bacterial infection breaks down tissue. Abscesses can form in many different parts of the body, including in the mouth. They are a natural defence mechanism, the aim being to block the infection from reaching other areas. The resulting build-up of pus is usually very painful, meaning a dental abscess causes severe toothache.
When it comes to mouth abscesses, both the gums and the teeth themselves are at risk. An abscess in the mouth can erode the periodontal structure and the jaw bone, causing irreparable damage. In some cases, the affected tooth has to be extracted.
By understanding tooth abscess symptoms and seeking professional treatment as soon as you become concerned, you can reduce the chances of further infection and complications or other oral health problems.
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How To Get Antibiotics For Tooth Infection
You can buy antibiotics for tooth infection by making a doctors appointment, either online or in-person.
Here is how you can request tooth infection antibiotics online at PlushCare:
- First, book an appointment with a PlushCare doctor through your phone or computer.
- During your virtual appointment, discuss your tooth infection symptoms and medical history with your physician.
- If the doctor decides that antibiotics would be an appropriate treatment for your tooth infection, then a prescription will be sent to a pharmacy for pickup, where you can get the antibiotics needed for your tooth infection treatment.
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
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How To Get Antibiotics For A Tooth Infection
You can get antibiotics for a tooth infection from your dentist or doctor, although dentists are preferable due to their experience with tooth infections. Antibiotics are not available over the counter you must have a doctor’s prescription.
Depending on your condition, you may be able to get prescriptions through an online dental consultation.
If you have antibiotics leftover in your medicine cabinet from an old infection, you should not use them. To properly dispose of your antibiotics, take them to your nearest pharmacy.
Clindamycin For Tooth Infection: How Effective Is It
If you have a tooth infection, your dentist will prescribe you antibiotic treatment most probably Clindamycin. It comes under the category of lincosamide antibiotics that treat infections caused by bacteria, including teeth infections.Clindamycin is usually given in the oral form, but for severe teeth infections, antibiotics in intravenous form work best.Delaying the treatment for tooth infections can make things worse. So, its vital to make sure you are fully aware of the recommended treatment plan.Keep reading to learn about the effectiveness of Clindamycin for tooth infection.
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What Is An Online Dentist
An online dentist is a licensed dentist who performs virtual consultations for dental health. For example, an online dentist could help diagnose dental conditions such as a tooth infection through a video call, or decide whether an in-person appointment is needed.
Though PlushCare does not currently offer online dentist services, our licensed doctors can prescribe antibiotics in order to treat a tooth infection.
How Long Does Amoxicillin Take To Work On A Tooth Infection
Antibiotics work relatively quickly to resolve tooth infections and control symptoms.
If you follow your healthcare providers instructions, the effects of antibiotics should take effect within a few days.
While you wait for your antibiotics to work, your dentist may recommend you take pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to manage the symptoms.
Sometimes, dentists also suggest patients use a salt water mouthwash to relieve discomfort from a tooth infection.
If the antibiotic medication doesnt resolve the infection, a dentist may recommend another procedure to remove the infected tissue, such as a root canal or a tooth extraction.
Make sure to seek medical advice from a healthcare professional if youre not feeling better after a week, or if your symptoms are getting worse.
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What Happens Once An Abscess Develops
Once an abscess has formed, you typically begin to experience swelling and intermittent, throbbing pain around the affected tooth. This is a warning sign that something is wrong. However, you will probably have dental pain in your tooth from the cavity before it progresses into an abscess.
Casestudies of serious illness or death from tooth infections often describe persistent toothaches that go on for weeks or months before seeking urgent or emergency care.
In many case studies, the toothaches were treated with antibiotics during this timeframe. However, antibiotics alone arent typically effective for treating a dental abscess. The tooth decay needs to be treated, too, either with an extraction or root canal if your tooth is salvageable.
When a dental abscess remains untreated for weeks or months, it may spread to other areas like the jaw, neck, and brain. This can cause serious symptoms like trouble swallowing, difficulty breathing, and an inability to open your mouth.
At this point, if care isnt received, death can occur quickly, sometimes in a matter of days.
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Types Of Dental Infections
According to the American Association of Endodontists, you may have an abscessed tooth if you experience pain when chewing, an aching jaw or swollen gums. There are several types of dental infections that could possibly require antibiotic therapy, as the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario outlines:
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Periapical abscess
A periapical abscess is an infection around the tip of a tooth’s root, originating from an infected nerve chamber in the tooth. This is the most common dental emergency, and typical symptoms may include visible swelling, sensitivity to hot and cold and a bad taste in the mouth.
-
Periodontal abscess
A periodontal abscess is a bacterial infection in the gum tissue that can occur if a person is unable to properly clean the pockets in the collar of gum tissue surrounding their teeth. This condition is often associated with periodontal disease and loss of the bone that forms the sockets that support the teeth. Typical symptoms include swelling of the gum tissue and accumulation of pus.
-
Combination Abscess
This infection is essentially a hybrid of a tooth abscess and an infection in the gums. It usually occurs when a dental abscess remains untreated and the infection spreads into the gum and bone tissues surrounding the tooth.
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How To Prevent A Tooth Abscess
Practicing excellent oral hygiene is the best way to prevent a tooth abscess and other oral conditions like cavities and gum disease.
Here are some best practices:
- Brush your teeth twice a day with an electric toothbrush. Don’t use hard-bristled toothbrushes because they can harm your gums
- Replace your toothbrush head every 3 months
- Floss every day before bed to remove food, debris, and plaque
- Use an antiseptic mouth rinse daily to help prevent plaque and bacteria buildup
- Visit your dentist for professional teeth cleanings twice a year
- Drink fluoridated water
- Eat a healthy diet and reduce sugar intake
Summary
Optimal oral hygiene is essential for dental abscess prevention.
Side Effects Of The Antibiotics For Abscess
Side effects of Cefotaxim or Cefoperazone include: nausea, vomiting, intestinal distress and abdominal pain an allergic reaction agranulocytosis, reduction of leukocytes and platelets in the blood pain and inflammation of the vein walls at the injection site.
In addition to the listed side effects, ingestion of Clindamycin can cause a temporary disruption of the neuromuscular transmission, and with the intravenous administration of this antibiotic, a taste of metal in the mouth may appear, the blood pressure may drop sharply and the heart work .
Allergic reactions, temporary worsening of hearing, headache, loss of appetite, heartburn, nausea and diarrhea can trigger the use of Josamycin.
Doxycycline, like most antibiotics, disrupts the intestinal microflora, and its peculiarity, which manifests itself in cases of prolonged use, is increased sensitivity of the skin to ultraviolet and a persistent discoloration of the enamel of the teeth.
Among the most frequent side effects of Amoxiclav, skin rash and hyperemia are noted nausea and diarrhea leukopenia and hemolytic anemia insomnia and muscle cramps violations of the liver .
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When Are Antibiotics Used For A Tooth Infection
Tooth infections dont always require antibiotics. In many cases, they may clear up on their own. Rinsing with warm saltwater or taking over-the-counter medicines, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , may help to reduce tooth pain and swelling.
The American Dental Association recommends that dentists avoid prescribing antibiotics for most tooth infections due to potential side effects. Dental treatments, such as drainage, deep cleaning, or a root canal , may sometimes be necessary.
However, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if you are immunocompromised or if your tooth infection is spreading. Some of the signs that your tooth infection is getting worse may include:
- Fever
- Malaise
- Swelling in the jaw or neck
- Intense pain or swelling that does not go away
If left untreated, a tooth infection may spread to the surrounding bones and tissues. This can lead to serious health complications, including:
If you have a severe tooth infection, your dentist may prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent it from spreading. Antibiotics may prevent tooth loss and other serious health complications.
