Tooth abscess is caused by a bacterial infection. In cases where the infection spreads, antibiotics are prescribed. This article lists the antibiotics that are widely prescribed to constrict problems with regard to the oral cavity.
Tooth abscess, also known as dental abscess and root abscess, is a condition in which pus is collected in the tissues surrounding a tooth due to a bacterial infection. It, usually occurs in the tissues around a decayed tooth or due to a failed root canal. The following antibiotics are recommended to prevent the infection from spreading, and for people with a compromised immune system.
Important Information in Brief
Causes
A tooth abscess is caused due to tooth decay or a bacterial infection in the tissues surrounding a tooth. Bacteria enters the dental pulp and weakens it. It is caused due to the destruction of the tooth enamel and the dentin in a decayed tooth. Also, if an infected dental nerve is not treated on time, the bone around the root of the infected tooth weakens and allows bacteria to enter, causing pus to collect and form an abscess.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
The most common symptom of a tooth abscess is a continuous, severe, and throbbing toothache. Pain may also be experienced while yawning, biting, and chewing. Other symptoms include bad breath, redness and swelling of the gum, sensitivity of the tooth to hot or cold food items, fever, bitter taste, a swollen upper or lower jaw, facial swelling, etc. If any of the above symptoms are experienced, a dental professional should be consulted immediately. A dentist would be able to easily diagnose a tooth abscess, through examination of the tooth and diagnostic tools, like a tooth X-ray.
When Do You Require Antibiotics
As far as home remedies work, adopt them; however, when they prove ineffective, antibiotics come to the fore. Dental experts prefer to not prescribe antibiotics to treat the abscess as the patient may develop an antibiotic resistance. This means administering antibiotics for common, though uncomfortable infections may hamper its effectiveness. It may not prove as effective as expected when administered for serious and painful conditions.
Thus, know that antibiotics are required only when your immunity is not strong enough and if the infection and its effects are found to spread, leading to inflammation of the facial contours and the cervical region.
What You Could Do
It is fair to agree that the pain is beyond bearable; nevertheless, here are a few things you may choose to do in order to add to the effectiveness of the antibiotics.
- Don’t be rough while brushing. Using a soft-bristled brush and avoiding floss maybe feasible options. You may get back to your routine once the abscess subsides.
- Very cold or hot food/beverages must not be consumed. Its temperature may sting your tooth and lead to discomfort.
- Soft victuals are appreciated by your oral cavity during such stressful times. Chew from the side that is not affected by the abscess.
Caution: These antibiotics must not be administered during the course of pregnancy. If at all the need arises, the matter ought to be discussed with the doctor. It, however, is not known if the product is perilous for lactating woman. So far, there are no negatives reported of administering the medication to nursing mothers; however, it is safer to err on the side of caution, especially when your child’s well-being is involved. Mentioned below are the details of antibiotics prescribed in order to treat tooth abscess.
It is used to cure and prevent infections that can be caused, or are caused by bacteria. They do not kill the bacteria, but stop them from multiplying by destroying their cell wall. It is available in the form of tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and powder.
Common brand names
- Amoxil
- Dispermox
- Trimox
Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Itching
- Abdominal pain
It is used in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria, like anaerobic bacteria. It blocks a few of the functions of the infection causing bacteria within their cells, which causes their death. It is available in the form of tablets, capsules, and injections.
Common brand names
- Flagyl
- Flagyl 375
- Flagyl ER
Possible side effects
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Headaches
This antibiotic is prescribed for those, who are allergic to antibiotics of the penicillin group. It prevents and eliminates infection by stopping bacterial growth. It is available in the form of tablets. It should be taken at equal intervals and for the prescribed duration as stopping consumption before completing the course may cause the bacteria to grow again.
Common brand names
- Cleocin
Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Co-amoxiclav consists of two ingredients — 1) Amoxicillin; and 2) Clavulanic Acid. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic that kills the bacteria that cause infection. However, there are certain bacteria, which release a chemical to reduce the potency of amoxicillin. To counter this, clavulanic acid is used. This constituent in the medicine will combat the effect of these chemicals on amoxicillin and help its partner constituent to kill the bacteria causing infection.
Common brand names
- Exclav
- Augmentin
- Synermox
Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
Penicillin is used rather successfully for the treatment of tooth abscesses. However, there is a chance that the penicillin can be destroyed by the bacterial enzymes that are present in the tooth before it can carry through its function. To solve this problem, sometimes, penicillin is used in combination with beta-lactamase inhibitors, which help protect the penicillin. The way in which penicillin works is, it blocks the bacterial walls that have formed and therefore, ruptures the microbes.
Common brand names
- PC Pen VK
- Pen-V
Possible side effects
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Vomiting
All the above-mentioned antibiotics and other medications for tooth abscess should be taken under the advise of a medical practitioner if they are to be effective. Once the abscess has been cured, proper dental care is essential to avoid recurrence. Medication should be consumed till the recommended duration to avert any possibility of a relapse. In case of a serious infection, a surgery or tooth extraction may be needed.
Disclaimer: The article published herein, is meant to accomplish pedagogical purposes only. The recommendations mentioned hereby may not be generically applicable. The information, by no means, intends to supplant the diagnosis and advice imparted by the medical practitioner.
