Your dentist will likely prescribe an antibiotic to help kill the bacteria that cause dental infection. Read on to learn more about the types of antibiotics used to treat dental infections and over-the-counter options for pain relief. For dental infections, dentists often prescribe penicillin or amoxicillin, says Merck Manuals. Clindamycin is also a commonly prescribed alternative for people who are allergic to penicillin.
Your dentist will make sure to identify the correct dosage and duration of medication for your particular situation. Because over-prescribing antibiotics can sometimes lead to more resistant strains of bacteria, your dentist will also consider antibiotic resistance when prescribing the dose, as explained by the ADA. Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat bacterial infections. However, when it comes to toothaches, prescribing antibiotics should be avoided, unless absolutely necessary.
By understanding antibiotics, you can confidently talk to your dentist about what is causing your pain and how to fix it. Dentists prescribe antibiotics for infection treatment and prevention. Indications for the use of systemic antibiotics in dentistry are limited, as most dental and periodontal diseases are best managed through surgical intervention and oral hygiene measures. However, the literature provides evidence of inadequate prescribing practices by dentists, due to a range of factors ranging from inadequate knowledge to social factors.
Here we review studies that investigated the pattern of antibiotic use by dentists around the world. The main flaws in antibiotic prescription knowledge are described. The main conclusion is that, unfortunately, dentists' prescribing practices are inadequate and this is manifested by excessive prescribing. Recommendations are presented to improve antibiotic prescribing practices in an attempt to curb the increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance and other side effects of antibiotic abuse.
Some dentists may also recommend amoxicillin with clavulanic acid, which a person can get under the brand name Augmentin. This combination can help eliminate the most stubborn bacteria. Not only do dental patients put pressure on their dentist to prescribe antibiotics, they also engage in self-medication. The type of antibiotic your dentist recommends will vary depending on the bacteria causing the infection.
It is important for people to complete a full round of antibiotics, taking all prescribed medications exactly as directed by the dentist. Some helpful home remedies can help reduce swelling or relieve pain while taking antibiotics and preparing for the dental procedure. Data reported from different countries indicate differences in dentists' knowledge of clinical situations indicated for antibiotics. If your dentist suspects that the infection has spread or is at risk of spreading to other parts of the body, he or she may prescribe a course of antibiotics to prevent you from developing a more serious, system-wide infection.
This is because different antibiotics work in different ways to kill different strains of bacteria. Most oral diseases presented to the dentist are mainly inflammatory conditions that are associated with pain. The best way to prevent dental infections is to maintain good oral hygiene, schedule regular checkups with a dentist, avoid foods high in sugar, and refrain from smoking. Nearly half or more of dentists investigated in England8, Kuwait,15 and Turkey19 would prescribe dry socket.
Although antibiotics can help eliminate an infection or prevent an infection from developing after dental treatment, these medications do have some possible side effects. A tooth abscess, also known as a tooth abscess or oral abscess, is a painful infection that can occur in a tooth, jaw, or gums surrounding a tooth. Poor oral health, untreated tooth decay, gum disease, or even common dental procedures can lead to a dental infection, also called a tooth abscess. .
