What antibiotic is good for an abscessed tooth

Oral health is vitally important to your overall health. When you are suffering from a tooth infection, you may want an easy solution, such as a course of antibiotics. However, antibiotics won’t cure your tooth infection.

Oral bacterial infections cause abscesses, which are small pockets of pus and dead tissue in the mouth. Often times they look like swollen tissue or a pimple on your gums. This usually occurs near the base of the tooth where the roots are. Tooth decay due to poor oral hygiene, failing dental work, trauma or a cracked tooth are ways bacteria can infect your tooth. When bacteria enter the roots, they use your nerve tissue and blood vessels as a food source. They begin to multiply and spread, and the result is a dental infection.

At this point, most patients believe antibiotics are necessary, however, your endodontist knows differently. Due to the anatomy of the tooth, bacteria become trapped in the roots. Without proper cleaning, such as through root canal therapy, the infection will remain and potentially spread to the jaw or even the brain. A draining, cleaning, or possibly even tooth extraction is needed to fully remove a bacterial tooth infection. 

Why not antibiotics? There are several reasons antibiotics alone will not cure the infection. The blood vessels that once supplied the inside of the tooth with your body’s antibacterial defenses have been destroyed. Therefore, the antibiotics cannot reach the inside of the tooth to cure your infection.

Additionally, there are many kinds of antibiotics and each attack specific types of bacteria. If the bacteria causing your infection are not covered under the spectrum of the antibiotic you are prescribed, then the infection will remain. Lastly, antibiotics do not work for fungal or viral infections.

Antibiotics carry risks, such as allergic reaction. In fact, reactions from antibiotics cause one out of six medication-related visits to the emergency room. Additionally, the continued use of antibiotics in all fields of medicine has led to many strains of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This type of infection can only be cured with a root canal or other procedure. 

With the existing risks and a low efficacy for clearing infection, antibiotics are rarely prescribed for a tooth infection or abscess. When they are, it is important to take them as directed. They play a crucial role in stopping an infection from becoming worse. A dentist or endodontist may therefore prescribe an antibiotic when the infection is severe, it has spread into the jaw, or if the patient has a weakened immune system.

Symptoms of a tooth infection include pain, swelling, a visual abscess inside the mouth, tooth sensitivity, bitter taste or bad breath that won’t go away, and fever. If you recognize these symptoms, call Central Ohio Endodontics today. The longer you wait, the larger the infection will become. Don’t delay. See an endodontist at Central Ohio Endodontics for your infected tooth.

A tooth infection is a pocket of pus (abscess) caused by the proliferation of bacteria. Usually, an abscess appears in the pulp—the soft, living tissue inside a tooth.

A periapical abscess develops from an infection in the pulp that forms an abscess at the root of a tooth, while a periodontal abscess develops between the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue.

Symptoms of a tooth infection may include a severe toothache, sensitivity to heat and cold, swollen glands, swelling in the gums, foul-smelling breath, and pain while chewing. If the infection spreads to the surrounding bones, it may become life-threatening. 

Your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to clear up your tooth infection. Learn more about antibiotics for tooth infections, including why they are used and how fast they work.

When Are Antibiotics Used for a Tooth Infection?

Tooth infections don’t 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 (NSAIDs), may help to reduce tooth pain and swelling.

The American Dental Association (ADA) 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 (removing the infected pulp from the tooth), may sometimes be necessary.

However, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics if you are immunocompromised (have a weakened immune system) or if your tooth infection is spreading. Some of the signs that your tooth infection is getting worse may include:

• Fever
• Fatigue
• Malaise (a general “ill feeling”)
• 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:

• Tooth loss
• Blood infection
• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Brain infection
• Endocarditis (infection in the heart)

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.

When to See a Dentist

It’s important to seek dental treatment right away if you suspect you might have a tooth infection. Make an appointment with your dentist if you have a toothache that doesn’t go away, if your gums are red and inflamed, or if you notice a pimple-like bubble along your gum line.

Taking Antibiotics

Your dentist can diagnose you with a tooth infection with a thorough physical examination. Your healthcare provider may tap your teeth or ask you to bite down to assess your level of pain. They may also perform imaging tests, such as dental X-rays. 

If your tooth infection is severe or persistent, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics. The goals of taking antibiotics for a tooth infection are to prevent tooth loss and other serious health complications. 

According to the ADA, the first-line antibiotics for a tooth infection include: 

• Oral amoxicillin
• Oral penicillin V potassium

Amoxicillin and penicillin V potassium are both in a class of antibiotics known as penicillin-type drugs. They work to fight infections by killing bacteria or stopping its growth. Penicillin-type drugs won’t work to treat viral infections. 

If you are allergic to penicillin-type drugs, your dentist may prescribe one of the following antibiotics instead:

• Oral azithromycin
• Oral clindamycin
• Oral cephalexin

Azithromycin, clindamycin, and cephalexin are all commonly used to treat bacterial infections.

Penicillin, Amoxicillin, and Cephalosporin Allergy: What to Know

Dosage

The current ADA recommendations for antibiotic dosage for tooth infections are as follows:

• Oral amoxicillin: 500 milligrams (mg), three times per day
• Oral penicillin V potassium: 500 milligrams, four times per day
• Oral azithromycin: 500 milligrams on the first day, followed by 250 milligrams for four days
• Oral clindamycin: 300 milligrams, four times per day
• Oral cephalexin: 500 milligrams, four times per day

Duration

These are the current ADA recommendations for the duration of a course of antibiotics for a tooth infection:

• Oral amoxicillin: Three to seven days
• Oral penicillin V potassium: Three to seven days
• Oral azithromycin: Five days
• Oral clindamycin: Three to seven days
• Oral cephalexin: Three to seven days

Some of your tooth infection symptoms should begin to clear up after two to three days. However, it’s important to take the full course of antibiotics as your dentist prescribes.

Taking Antibiotics

It’s important to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed, even if you start feeling better quickly. If you stop taking antibiotics too early, your infection may linger. You could also raise your risk of developing a bacterial infection that is resistant to antibiotics.

Common Antibiotics Used for a Tooth Infection

Penicillin-type drugs, such as amoxicillin and penicillin V potassium, are typically the first-line antibiotics that dentists prescribe to treat a tooth infection.

However, allergic reactions to penicillins are common. If you have a history of allergy symptoms (such as hives, swelling, or low blood pressure) after taking penicillin-type drugs, let your dentist know. They may prescribe a macrolide antibiotic, such as clindamycin, to clear up your infection. 

In some cases, your dentist may prescribe another type of antibiotic, such as:

• Augmentin (amoxicillin with clavulanate)
• Flagyl (metronidazole)

These drugs are typically prescribed if other antibiotics don’t work to treat your symptoms or if your tooth infection begins to spread.

Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects of antibiotics may include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Yeast infection
• Changes in taste 

Seek immediate medical help if you experience any serious side effects while taking antibiotics, such as:

• Rash
• Difficulty breathing
• Wheezing
• Hives
• Peeling skin or blisters
• Swelling in the face, eyes, or mouth 
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain
• Worsening signs of a tooth infection
• Fever

Should I Go to a Hospital or a Dentist for My Dental Emergency?

Prevention

A tooth abscess may sometimes be caused by a cracked or chipped tooth, an injury, or failed dental work. However, in most cases, tooth infections are caused by tooth decay. 

The best way to prevent a tooth infection is to practice good oral hygiene. Here are some ways to protect your teeth from cavities and gum disease: 

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss or use interdental brushes regularly to remove hard-to-reach plaque from between your teeth.
• Limit your sugar intake, especially between meals.
• Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and check-ups.

Summary

A tooth infection is a pocket of pus that develops inside a tooth's pulp due to the multiplication of bacteria. Tooth infections are usually caused by tooth decay, failed dental work, broken or chipped teeth, or injury.

Not all tooth infections require treatment with antibiotics. However, a dentist may sometimes prescribe antibiotics to save the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading. 

The most common antibiotics used to treat tooth infections are penicillin-type drugs (such as amoxicillin and penicillin V potassium). Clindamycin, azithromycin, and cephalexin are options for people who have a history of allergies to penicillin. If first-line drugs don't work, metronidazole may be prescribed.

Possible side effects of antibiotics for tooth infections may include nausea, diarrhea, yeast infection, changes in taste, and headache. More serious side effects, such as rash, hives, swelling, joint pain, and fever, require immediate medical attention.

A Word From Verywell

When tooth pain starts you may be tempted to delay calling a dentist. But a tooth infection can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Talk to your dentist right away if you suspect that you have a tooth abscess.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does it take for antibiotics to reduce swelling from tooth infection?

  In many cases, you’ll start feeling better about two to three days after you start taking antibiotics for a tooth infection. However, you should take the full round of prescribed antibiotics. Usually, your dentist will prescribe an antibiotic for three to seven days for a tooth infection.

• How can I tell if the antibiotics are working for tooth infection?

  If your antibiotics are working, the symptoms of your tooth infection will begin to subside. Your fever, fatigue, pain, and/or swelling will decrease. If your symptoms persist or get worse, contact your dentist right away.

• Are there any natural antibiotics for a tooth infection?

  The most popular natural treatment for a tooth infection is a warm saltwater rinse. Other home remedies for a tooth infection may include baking soda, garlic, hydrogen peroxide, aloe vera gel, herbal tea, or essential oils (such as oil of oregano or tea tree oil). However, if you have a tooth infection, you should still make an appointment with your dentist.

• Where can I buy antibiotics for a tooth infection?

  The most common antibiotics for a tooth infection include amoxicillin, penicillin, azithromycin, clindamycin, cephalexin, and metronidazole. Antibiotics have to be prescribed by a healthcare provider, such as a dentist. You may be able to get a prescription more quickly via a telehealth visit.

  Will a tooth abscess go away with just antibiotics?

  When you are suffering from a tooth infection, you may want an easy solution, such as a course of antibiotics. However, antibiotics won't cure your tooth infection. Oral bacterial infections cause abscesses, which are small pockets of pus and dead tissue in the mouth.

  What antibiotics kills tooth infection?

  Antibiotics of the penicillin class, such as penicillin and amoxicillin, are most commonly used to help treat tooth infections. An antibiotic called metronidazole may be given for some types of bacterial infections.

  Is amoxicillin 500mg good for abscess tooth?

  As the Mayo Clinic notes, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic such as amoxicillin for abscessed tooth treatment to keep the infection from spreading to nearby teeth, your jaw or other facial structures. They may also recommend an antibiotic for abscessed tooth if you have a weakened immune system.

  How long does it take for a tooth abscess to go away with antibiotics?

  Usually, within 2-3 days, you'll start feeling better and see an improvement in the infection. On average, a full course of antibiotics takes 7 to 14 days to complete depending on the type used.