Antibiotics for an Abscessed Tooth
Examples
| Generic Name |
|---|
| amoxicillin |
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| clindamycin | Cleocin |
| Generic Name | Brand Name |
|---|---|
| erythromycin | |
| metronidazole | Flagyl |
| penicillin |
How It Works
Antibiotics kill bacteria and are used to fight many types of infections. Antibiotics for an abscessed tooth are given in pill (oral) form, usually for a 7- to 10-day period.
Why It Is Used
A bacterial infection that causes an abscessed tooth must be treated to kill or prevent the further growth of bacteria, because a continuing bacterial infection may cause more serious disease, such as cellulitis. Antibiotics are used along with other treatment, which may include opening the root canal to drain the source of the abscess, lancing a swelling (gumboil) next to the tooth, or removing the tooth (extraction).
How Well It Works
Antibiotic treatment of an abscessed tooth, when used along with either a root canal treatment or extraction, is effective at stopping a bacterial infection in the jaw.
If the antibiotic is not effective at killing the bacteria, or if you do not take the antibiotic for a long enough period of time, the bacterial infection may return.
Side Effects
Serious but rare side effects of antibiotics include:
- Allergic reaction.
- Prolonged diarrhea.
- Liver damage.
Common but mild side effects of antibiotics include:
- Bad taste in the mouth.
- Stomach upset.
- Mild to severe diarrhea.
- Vaginal yeast infection.
Diarrhea and vaginal yeast infections sometimes occur when antibiotics destroy some of the normal and necessary bacteria that live in the body. Eating yogurt may help prevent these side effects.
If you get diarrhea while taking an antibiotic, contact your doctor to find out whether you should continue the medicine or try a different medicine. Do not abruptly stop the antibiotic.
Some antibiotics may increase your sensitivity to sunlight (photophobia). Avoid prolonged sun exposure while taking antibiotics.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
It is important to take all of the antibiotics your dentist prescribes. Keep taking the medicine until it is gone, even after you start to feel better. Otherwise your bacterial infection may return.
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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.
You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!
You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!
Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!
SOURCES:
American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010
This tool is intended only for adults 18 and older.
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