Do you want to know the best remedy for tooth infections?
If so, this post will teach you about tooth infections and the best antibiotic you can use to treat them.
Tooth infections are generally caused by bacteria, which can cause the pus to accumulate in your teeth and later spreads to neighboring areas. These infections can cause sharp throbbing pains, swelling, sensitivity, and much discomfort in your mouth.
If left untreated, such infections can spread to other areas of your brain or jaw.
According to the American Dental Association, most tooth infections occur due to untreated cracked tooth or decay. Most dentists will first recommend an antibiotic to clear the bacteria before they proceed with other treatment procedures.
However, some antibiotics will prove more effective than others for tooth infections, and some over-the-counter pain relievers can ease the symptoms.
Which is the Best Antibiotic for Tooth Infections?
All antibiotics are not created equal; thus, your dentist will be at liberty to prescribe one that will destroy the bacteria causing the tooth infection.
But what antibiotics are used for tooth infections?
The kind of antibiotic you require will depend on the type of bacterium causing the tooth infection. Your dentist will choose the most effective medicine that will clear your infection within the shortest time possible.
There are several classes of antibiotics that your dentist might prescribe, including:
Penicillin Antibiotics for Tooth Infections
Penicillin-type antibiotics are most used for tooth infections. They include amoxicillin and penicillin.
However, most people are allergic to these drugs. Thus you need to first discuss with your dentist about any allergic reactions you had in your previous medications. This will help your dentist to choose a different antibiotic that will work best for you.
Metronidazole
Metronidazole is typically used to treat tooth infections and easing the pain that comes with it. However, you should avoid all alcohol-containing products when using this antibiotic.
What is a Dental Abscess and Which Antibiotics Treat Tooth Abscess?
A tooth abscess is a term used to refer to the accumulation of pus in your mouth, generally caused by a bacterial infection.
This type of infection cannot go away on its own unless it is well treated using antibiotics recommended by a qualified dentist.
There are two types of tooth abscess, namely Periapical abscess (occurs at the tip of your tooth) and Periodontal abscess (takes place in the gum).
The first sign of a tooth abscess is a severe and sharp throbbing pain.
But which antibiotics for tooth abscess are effective?
Recommended antibiotics are generally used to treat tooth abscess. However, unlike other tooth infections, antibiotics on their own cannot treat an abscess.
Generally, an abscess must be opened and drained by a dentist for it to improve and heal. Antibiotics are only used to reduce the symptoms of tooth abscess.
Best Over-the-Counter Antibiotics for Tooth Infections
Sometimes tooth infections can cause sharp pains at night when you can’t visit your dentist immediately.
In such cases, taking over-the-counter antibiotics will help to prevent the infection from spreading to other parts of your mouth. Some over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can assist in easing the pain before your next appointment.
Here are some of the most common antibiotics for tooth infection over the counters that are available in your local pharmacist:
Fluorides
Fluoride is commonly available over-the-counter kinds of toothpaste, which helps to prevent tooth decay. You can buy such toothpastes even without a prescription and help to keep tooth infections at bay.
Antiseptics
Antiseptics are generally sold as over-the-counter mouth rinses, which help to reduce gingivitis and kill bacteria that cause tooth infections.
How Much Antibiotic Should You Take and Duration to treat Tooth Infections?
Although the symptoms of your tooth infection may start to clear after taking a few doses of antibiotics, dentists recommended that you take a full dose to prevent the infection from getting d stronger or coming back in future.
Depending on the class of antibiotics prescribed, you need to take a dose of up to four times each day. If your tooth infection needs antibiotics, you need to take them for one week unless advised otherwise by your dentist.
But when you use antibiotics frequently or incorrectly, the infection-causing bacteria develops some resistance, thus rendering them less resistant.
Final Verdict
If you are experiencing signs of a tooth infection or abscess, such as throbbing pain, sensitivity to pressure or temperature and swelling schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible or if you are looking for a dentist in Murfreesboro, TN then call William Fitzgerald DDS at: 615-896-7582
If your dentist recommends some antibiotics, follow the instructions keenly and complete the full dose. Even if your infection appears mild, it can become severe if you leave it untreated.
