Penicillin-class antibiotics, such as penicillin and amoxicillin, are most typically used to treat tooth infections. For some forms of bacterial infections, an antibiotic called metronidazole may be prescribed. It is sometimes used with penicillin to treat a wider range of bacterial species. Finally, a combination of metronidazole and vancomycin can be used to treat certain types of infectious disease.
Antibiotics kill bacteria, which means they can also kill the good bacteria in your body. Overuse of antibiotics has led to the development of drug-resistant bacteria, which are harder for doctors to treat. However, by using antibiotics properly, they can still be an effective treatment option for tooth infections.
You should not use antibiotics for viral infections (such as the common cold), because these drugs will not help you recover faster and could even make your symptoms worse. Antibiotics do not work on viruses but rather on bacteria, so they cannot be used to treat virus-related illnesses or injuries. Some examples of virus-related conditions include gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) and canker sores (ulcers on the tongue).
Some people are allergic to certain antibiotics. If you experience any symptoms after taking antibiotics, stop taking them and see your doctor immediately. Your doctor may be able to suggest another medication or treatment plan if allergies are the cause of your symptoms.
Your dentist will want to prescribe an antibiotic that will properly treat your illness. These drugs have the ability to kill bacteria that cause gingivitis and periodontal disease. They may also be prescribed for respiratory infections such as bronchitis or sinus infections.
You should not take any antibiotics without first talking with your doctor. There are many other medications you may need during your recovery that your doctor may not have told you about. Also, some people suffer from allergies or interactions with other medications so they must avoid certain groups of drugs while they heal.
Amoxicillin is a commonly used drug that has been shown to help fight against gram positive and negative bacteria, including bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum diseases. Amoxicillin works by stopping the growth of bacteria. Once it stops growing, it makes sure to kill what it has stopped growing so it is important to take it as prescribed by your doctor. It should be taken daily until your symptoms disappear and then once a week at its best prevention dose.
Some common side effects of amoxicillin include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, skin reactions, dry mouth and urinary frequency.
Penicillins in general were discovered to be the most generally recommended antibiotics by dentists43; the most popular antibiotic was amoxicillin 7, followed by penicillin V10, metronidazole, and the combination of amoxicillin and clavulanic acid44. There are many different types of penicillins that vary in their effectiveness against certain bacteria. Some examples include: benzathine-penicillin, which is recommended for treatment of syphilis; phenoxymethyl-penicillin, which is recommended for prevention of rheumatic fever 45; and probenecid cephalosporin, which is considered an allergy drug because it contains elements of both antibiotics.
Tetracyclines were found to be the second most commonly prescribed group of antibiotics by dentists46. They work by stopping the growth of bacteria, preventing them from producing more toxins, and killing any already produced47. The most common tetracycline used in dentistry is doxycycline48. It can be taken daily to treat bacterial infections associated with your teeth, mouth, or gums (such as gum disease) or take it twice a week for prevention if you are at risk for developing diabetes or heart problems49.
Macrolides such as erythromycin are used to treat infections caused by gram-positive bacteria such as streptococci, enterococci, and staphylococci50.
Penicillin is the most commonly used antibiotic to treat mild to moderate illnesses. Because medicines alone may not usually effectively penetrate the abscess, the abscess may be surgically drained. Most dental abscesses are simple to treat and totally cure after they are drained. However, if you have any questions regarding your specific situation, it is best to consult with your dentist or other healthcare provider.
Amoxicillin is typically the first line of therapy for tooth infections. Clavulanate is a medication that, when coupled with amoxicillin, increases its effectiveness. If your tooth infection looks to be more serious, your dentist may prescribe amoxicillin with clavulanate instead of plain amoxicillin. Follow your dentist's instructions carefully so you receive the most effective treatment plan possible.
Amoxicillin is also used to treat other conditions including strep throat, pneumonia, skin infections, and sinus problems. It can also be taken by adults who do not have a stomach problem but who may be at risk for developing one if they take amoxicillin regularly over a long period of time.
Clavulanic acid is used together with amoxicillin to prevent bacteria from forming resistant strains of these antibiotics. Resistant strains of bacteria are harder for doctors to treat because there are no other drugs available to them. Bacteria can develop resistance to any drug in our arsenal; it's important for us to continue taking amoxicillin even if we feel we are recovering from our infection because this tells our bodies not to produce resistance against it.
Some people are allergic to amoxicillin or other ingredients found in medications containing this antibiotic. If you experience hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling around your eyes/nose/mouth after taking any oral antibiotic, call your doctor immediately.