In dentistry, the most commonly used antibiotics are amoxicillin and clindamycin. Amoxicillin is prescribed to treat a variety of bacterial infections. Tooth abscess, sinusitis, and acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, and pericoronitis are bacterial infections that are treated with amoxicillin. Keep reading to learn more about the types of antibiotics used to treat dental infections and over-the-counter options for pain relief.
Take amoxicillin by mouth, usually every 8 hours or as directed by your dentist, with food or after eating. Although modern dental and oral health practices have made most dental infections less of a concern than they once were, the condition can become serious and even life-threatening if left untreated. Make an appointment with your dentist if you have a toothache that doesn't go away, if your gums are red and swollen, or if you notice a pimple-like bubble along the gum line. While any doctor or healthcare provider can prescribe treatments, such as antibiotics, that will help you temporarily, if you experience pain, swelling, tenderness, or other symptoms that you think may be related to a tooth abscess, dental infection, or injury, schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
The following is a review of common cases requiring antibiotic treatment or prophylaxis and the most useful antibiotics commonly used in dentistry (Figure. Accurate use of antibiotics is crucial for the treatment of dental infections; therefore, comprehensive antimicrobial prescribing guidelines should be established for dental professionals. Before taking clindamycin, tell your dentist if you are allergic to clindamycin, lincomycin (Lincocin), any other medications, or any of the ingredients contained in clindamycin capsules or solution. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that dentists avoid prescribing antibiotics for most dental infections because of potential side effects.
Always take the full course of antibiotics prescribed by your dentist, even if your symptoms seem to go away. Your dentist will likely prescribe an antibiotic to help kill the bacteria that cause dental infection. However, the dentist may sometimes prescribe antibiotics to save the tooth and prevent the infection from spreading. If you have a dental infection, see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading.
To manage pain, your dentist may suggest taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or naproxen (Aleve) before or after your dental procedure. This review attempts to summarize the indications for antibiotic therapy in dentistry and discuss the common types of antibiotics that are routinely used in dental practice based on pharmacological classes. Penicillin-type drugs, such as amoxicillin and penicillin V potassium, are often the first-line antibiotics that dentists prescribe to treat a dental infection.
