Toothache is a severe pain that can affect your daily activities like eating, speaking, sleeping, and more. Sometimes a dentist near you can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. But it’s crucial to know when these medicines are needed. Here, we will give you an overview of antibiotics for toothache and when they are needed.
What Causes Tooth Infections?
Tooth infections generally happen when germs enter the tooth. Infection in a tooth can occur if you have a deep cavity, gum disease, or a dental injury. Bacteria can enter the tooth and reach the pulp, soft tissue that contains nerves and blood vessels. Once germs enter the pulp, they can cause an infection. Sometimes might result in the accumulation of pus, known as an abscess, which can be quite painful. If not treated, the infection may spread to other parts of the body.
Here are some of the common signs of tooth infection:
- Severe toothache: Pain can consistently be present or come occasionally.
- Swelling: The patient may feel swelling in the gums, face, or jaw.
- Fever: A rising temperature may indicate the spread of infection.
- Bad taste in your mouth: This can occur if the abscess breaks.
When are Antibiotics Necessary for Tooth Infections?
Antibiotics are strong medications that eliminate bacteria, thus preventing their growth in the mouth. Antibiotics are necessary for tooth infections in these situations:
- Severe infection: If the infection has spread beyond the tooth to areas like the jaw, face, or neck.
- Swelling: When there is significant swelling, especially in your face or neck.
- Fever: If you have a fever along with the tooth infection, it may indicate the infection is spreading.
- Weak Immune System: If your immune system is weak, your body might struggle to combat the infection on its own.
- After Dental Procedures: Antibiotics are sometimes needed after dental procedures, such as tooth extractions, to prevent infection.
Types of Antibiotics Used for Tooth Infections
Different antibiotics may be applied to treat the tooth infection. Dentists recommend the antibiotic based on the type of tooth infection and your medical condition.
- Penicillin: Penicillin is a popular antibiotic generally prescribed for a tooth infection. Amoxicillin, a form of penicillin, is often the first choice to treat tooth infections.
- Clindamycin: For people allergic to penicillin, a dentist might prescribe clindamycin.
- Metronidazole: This antibiotic is often taken in combination with penicillin to target certain bacteria that penicillin alone might not eliminate.
Complete the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your dentist, even if you begin to feel better. Stopping the medication early can allow bacteria to return and potentially worsen the infection.
How Long Does It Take for Antibiotics to Relieve Tooth Pain?
Antibiotics begin working fast, but it may take a few days before you see relief in your symptoms. Normally, you should begin to feel better within 48 to 72 hours after starting an antibiotic course. If, after some days, pain and swelling do not decrease, you should call your dentist to treat and prevent further complications.
Possible Side Effects of Antibiotics
Antibiotics can be quite beneficial, but they have few side effects. Some of the common side effects are:
- Upset stomach: You may experience diarrhea or feel uncomfortable.
- Reactions to allergies: A rash or itching may appear in certain individuals.
- Yeast infections: Especially in women, antibiotics can occasionally result in yeast infections.
If you are suffering from any side effects, then consult your dentist to treat it. Dentists prescribe the right medication and recommend different ways to manage the side effects.
Prevention of Tooth Infections
Preventing dental infections in the early stages is the most effective way to avoid further complications. The following are some tips on how to keep your teeth in good condition:
- Brush your teeth twice a day: Brush with fluoride toothpaste to protect your teeth from cavities.
- Floss every day: Flossing removes food and plaque stuck between your teeth where your toothbrush may not reach.
- Regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist twice a year for dental checkups and examinations. Regular visits to the dentist help detect dental issues earlier and thus treat them.
- Avoid sweet foods and drink consumption: Sugary foods and drinks can cause cavities, which can become serious over time.
- Use a mouthguard: If you actively participate in contact sports like football, consider wearing a mouthguard to prevent tooth injury.
Natural Remedies and Home Treatments
Antibiotics are occasionally necessary, but natural remedies and home treatment can help ease the discomfort of toothaches and dental infections. Some of the remedies include the following:
- Rinsing: Rinsing the mouth with salt water helps to clean the infected area and reduces swelling.
- Cold compress: You can use a cool pack and place it on the outside of your cheek to reduce the swelling and numb the pain.
- Clove oil: Clove oil is naturally antibacterial and helps ease toothaches. You can apply it directly to the affected area using a cotton ball.
It is crucial to keep in mind that although these treatments could reduce pain, they do not treat the underlying problem. To treat the source of your toothache, consult your dentist.
When to Consult an Emergency Dentist in Saint Claud?
Got a nagging toothache that just won’t quit? If you’re in Saint Claud and experiencing persistent pain, swelling, fever, or any other alarming symptoms, it’s time to see an emergency dentist ASAP.
Ignoring a tooth infection can have major consequences, such as the infection spreading to other areas of your body and more. A professional dentist recommends the right treatment that solves your discomfort.
Get Relief from Toothache at Lakeshore Dental Clinic!
Don’t suffer in silence. Lakeshore Dental Clinic – one of the reputed dental clinic in Saint Cloud is here to help.
Our experienced emergency dentists in Saint Claud carefully evaluates your condition to provide the right treatment to solve your dental issue. We offer a wide range of dental services, including:
- Regular checkups
- Root canal therapy
- Dental implants
- And more
Contact us today and schedule your appointment with one of Saint Claud’s most trusted dental clinics. Get the relief you deserve!