Tooth infection antibiotics are useful for various gum diseases. The following article throws some light on different antibiotics available to treat tooth infections.
Did You Know?
Eating pomegranate regularly ensures optimal dental health as it destroys the bacteria responsible for causing formation of plaque. Thus, if you want to protect your pearly white smile from plaque build up and gum diseases, make sure to include pomegranate in your diet.
Antibiotics for Tooth Infection
Generally, a tooth infection, particularly the abscess, requires medical treatment to halt the growth of bacteria and prevent tooth decay. Antibiotics are commonly prescribed to kill the bacteria and contain the spread of tooth infection. It has been observed that a severe tooth infection can get to the jaw, lungs, and the brain, if timely treatment is not taken. Hence, the use of antibiotics is very important to stop the bacteria from affecting the other parts of the body. The antibiotics that assist in beating tooth infection are as follows:
- Amoxicillin
- Clindamycin
- Erythromycin (E-Mycin)
- Metronidazole
- Penicillin
These antibiotics kill the bacteria, thereby reducing the pain and discomfort. Antibiotics given for the treatment of tooth infection is available in the pill form. These oral medicines are usually taken for approximately 7-10 days.
Wisdom Tooth Infection
People who require wisdom tooth removal surgery are advised to take antibiotics so as to clear up or weaken the infection. The surgery is often postponed until the bacterial infection is brought under control. Taking antibiotics before surgery often helps to prevent recurrence of infection after surgery.
In some cases, however, one cannot completely depend upon the medicines to cure or stop the spread of infection. Use of antibiotics may be followed by tooth extraction or root canal treatment as recommended by the doctor. Painkillers can also be taken to reduce the pain experienced.
Side Effects
Although antibiotics play a major role to subside pain and stop bacterial growth, these medicines can bring about a few health problems too. However, serious side effects caused by these oral medications are rare, some of which are given below:
- Liver damage
- Diarrhea that lasts for several days
- Allergic reaction
In most cases, people taking antibiotics to treat tooth infections suffer from mild effects which are temporary and not a cause of worry. Usually, medical treatment is not necessary as the side effects given below, go away on their own. During the course of treatment, intake of yogurt will certainly help to minimize these side effects.
- Stomach upset
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Vaginal yeast infection
Points to Remember
- Antibiotics should not be stopped suddenly without consulting a dentist. Inform the doctor of the side effects if any. He may advice to reduce the dose or prescribe some other medicines.
- Even after the infection has cleared up, one may have to take antibiotics (for a short period), to prevent recurrence of infection.
- Practicing oral hygiene that includes brushing twice a day, flossing and swishing (rinsing the mouth) immediately after meals and snacks, is the key to healthy teeth.
