Having a toothache can be one of the most significant issues in your life. And a tooth infection will make it worst. The word “infection” may freak you out, but I can assure you – there is nothing to worry about.
Your dentist will examine your teeth, and chances are, you will be prescribed an antibiotic if there is an infection. Antibiotics heal the wound fast. And they’ll be helpful if you maintain the dosage.
Do you need to know everything about antibiotics for a toothache? Or how different antibiotics work? Or, particularly, how long does amoxicillin take to work for tooth infection? If yes, then keep reading!
Table of Content
What is a tooth infection?
First of all, before you even get into the ins and out of a tooth infection, the trouble begins with a toothache. When you bite into your food, the first symptom is excruciating sharp pain. You may also notice swelling in the gum and bacterial infection in the gum region.
A tooth infection means the multiplication of bacteria in a tissue region. The positioning of infection varies, but you will typically find those at the junction of your gum and jaw.
When you first get a tooth infection, there will be a swelling that you’ll feel with your tongue. There are a few tooth infection home remedies. Hence it’s likely that your dentist will prescribe you an antibiotic. With the use of tooth infection antibiotics, the teeth will recover in no time.
But, if left untreated, a tooth infection can cause severe consequences. If an infection spreads more along your gum region, you may need to get a tooth extraction. In extreme cases, brain damage is also possible from a mere tooth infection. Thus, it’s recommendable to get your teeth looked at by your dentist immediately.
Symptoms of Tooth Infection
You must be wondering, “how to determine a tooth infection?” Well, you can assess it at home by observing if you have any of the symptoms below:
- Sharp pain during bite
- Extreme sensitivity from hot/cold beverages
- Toothache from sleeping sideways
- Constant bad breath
- Bitter feeling in the tastebuds
- Swelling in the mouth/neck region
- Headaches
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Discomfort in mouth
Recommended Antibiotics for Tooth Infection
Your dentist will prescribe antibiotics based on the type of infection-causing bacteria. Antibiotics are classified according to their mode of action. And the dentist will select one that can completely eradicate the infection.
The most widely used class is erythromycin. It includes all three serotypes: enteric-coated, Gram-positive, and Gram-negative. Additionally, gentamicin-CASD (a version that some humans share) and tetracycline are also included. Thus, if you’re experiencing a runny nose or a headache, your dentist may recommend this.
Erythromycin is a penicillin substitute. Your dentist can prescribe it instead of penicillin. The local pharmacist will provide you with all the detailed instructions on the drug. And make sure you don’t stop it earlier.
How Long Does Amoxicillin Take to Work For Tooth Infection?
Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics. They work for tooth infections. But dentists try to minimize the use of this drug to prevent any resistance.
Your doctor may pair it with clavulanic acid to enhance its effectiveness. 500mg thrice a day for tooth infection is the loading dose of amoxicillin for tooth abscess.
If you’re wondering, “how long does amoxicillin take to work for tooth infection?” – you’ll most likely feel relief within 48 hours of ingesting the antibiotic. If not, you’ll feel the change within three to five days.
But it’s essential to complete the full amoxicillin dosage for tooth infection to recover. Or else, the tooth infection may come back with a big vengeance.
Can Amoxicillin Raise Your Blood Sugar?
Should You Take Antibiotics for Tooth Infection
You may be searching on the internet about the tooth issues you’re facing. The symptoms will match with many other tooth diseases simultaneously. So, it’s better to see a dentist instead of self-diagnosing.
In most cases of general toothache, people don’t need antibiotics. But if you do need one, don’t buy without the prescription. They may end up doing more harm than good.
You’ll feel better after one or two doses of antibiotics. But, it’s essential to continue the dose fully to make sure no contraindications appear later.
Antibiotic resistance is a huge issue nowadays since people take unprescribed antibiotics. Unprescribed antibiotics will make the bacteria resistant to that particular antibiotic. It will also lessen the effect of other drugs.
Therefore, reconsider taking unprescribed antibiotics. Don’t forget to check the contraindications such as hypersensitivity to penicillin and allergies. Now the question is, how long after starting antibiotics will tooth pain go away.
How Long Does Antibiotic Take To Work
You may be a patient who’s just been to the dentist. If you have a tooth infection, your dentist has possibly suggested the use of antibiotics. It’s natural to think, “How long does antibiotics take to work? How long does amoxicillin take to work for tooth infection?”
Well, every antibiotic has a different time to kick in. It also depends on the kind of antibiotic resistance you have developed over the years. And also the kind of bacterial infestation on your gums. Yet, it’s common for antibiotics to kick in within a day or two.
Whether you feel the antibiotics kick in or not, please don’t stop taking them. They’ll do their work fine if you complete the given dose. If you face any adverse allergic reaction after taking the antibiotics, contact your dentist immediately. Rather than asking how long does it take amoxicillin to work on a toothache, ask how to minimize the reactions.
Best Antibiotics for Tooth Infection
There are various types of antibiotics available in the market. Each has its classified usage. It’s pretty common to enquire about “how long does amoxicillin take to work for tooth infection” while you are searching for the best fit one. Hence, let’s discuss some of the most used antibiotics for toothache-
Clindamycin for Tooth Infection
Clindamycin treats a broad range of bacterial illnesses. It is becoming the primary option for dental infections due to its poor resistance to germs. And it’s cheap compared to penicillin.
Azithromycin for Tooth Infection
Azithromycin inhibits the development of germs in a variety of diseases. It works on recurrent infections. Azithromycin can treat penicillin allergies.
Ciprofloxacin for Tooth Infection
It is a cephalosporin antibiotic. They operate by preventing bacterial wall formation. It works well against root canal infections. In Cipro vs. Amoxicillin for tooth infection, dentists prefer Cipro for post-operative and amoxicillin for general infections.
How Effective is Bactrim for Toothache?
Probiotics are often prescribed together with tooth infection medications. The combination assists healthy gut flora. Probiotics can mitigate the effects of antibiotics on beneficial bacteria in the stomach.
Will Antibiotics Cure Tooth Abscess?
Antibiotics for tooth infection are one of the main treatment methods. When it comes to infection, we all tend to gravitate towards using antibiotics. Yet, sometimes we may question what antibiotics are best for tooth infection and how does it work? Or how long does amoxicillin take to work for tooth infection?
Bacteria is one of the most prevalent microorganisms to exist in the world. They can build up in our mouth through plaque formation. Besides, they try to multiply themselves inside our gum tissues. Many species of bacteria help maintain flora and fauna of the environment. Although, the bacteria which enter the human body classifies as the bad guys.
Bacteria, once it enters the human mouth, look for an ideal spot to multiply. Most of the time, it’s between the junction of the jaw and the gum. Bacteria tend to produce different types of acid, which result in enamel damage.
Once the enamel of your tooth damages, there’s no going back. The damage will only increase with time. Once the bacteria slides into the root of your tooth, an infection will be there with pus formation.
This condition is a tooth abscess. The infection will be painful and cause discomfort in your mouth. No matter if you are chewing food or not.
The treatment of bacteria is primarily antibiotics. Antibiotics are the savior to help fight against bacteria easily. Yet, in extreme cases, you may need a delta procedure like a root canal. The only way to prevent infections is to maintain good oral hygiene practices.
Natural Remedies for Tooth Infection
When you get a tooth infection, it’s necessary to pay a visit to your dentist. But what if you are allergic to the prescribed medicines? Sometimes tooth pain is worse after antibiotics.
In that case, you can look for natural remedies. We’ve made a list that can be beneficial for you, so check it out!
Don’t forget to try these out:
Baking soda
Baking soda can remove plaque very well from your teeth. Alongside, it has antibacterial properties that can help fight tooth infections.
Salt Water Rinse
When you have a tooth infection, you should wash your mouth with warm salt water every day. Twice a day is optimal for almost every patient. The salt’s antibacterial properties will help fight the bacteria from the infection.
Natural oils
You can opt for using natural oils, which can be antibacterial and anti-oxidizing. The procedure for using any oil or vanilla extract is pretty much the same. You rub it onto the affected area softly until it feels better.
Clove sticks
Many people opt for biting onto a clove as it helps numb the pain a little bit.
Ice packs
Use cold compresses on the affected area to shrink the abscess and help relieve pain.
If you figure out the symptoms of tooth infection by yourself, make sure to try out the home remedies. But we must warn you not to use home remedies as a substitute for going to the dentist.
The infection can spread like wildfire and cause serious complications. Thus, to make sure your infection heals, take your dentist’s advice well. I am sure you’re no longer wondering what antibiotics to treat tooth infection.
Conclusion
Antibiotics are one of the most effective medications for tooth infections. However, the infected tooth will need dental care, even if medication works and the infection disappears. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to dentists may prevent the scenario.
I hope I’ve answered all your queries related to a tooth infection. And you shouldn’t have any concern on, “how long does amoxicillin take to work for tooth infection?” Hence, till the next time, happy wholesome-living!
FAQ
Will antibiotics stop tooth pain?
No, antibiotics won’t help in reducing tooth pain directly. However, they stop the spreading of bacteria and minimize the infection. And when the infection is under control, you will feel relief from toothache.
How long does it take for amoxicillin to work on an abscess?
Amoxicillin will start working immediately on abscesses. However, it will require two to three days to feel better and free of any tooth pain.
How long does it take for amoxicillin to kick in?
Amoxicillin kicks in immediately. Nevertheless, it will reach its peak level within one hour of ingestion. You will start feeling better between one hour to three days based on the severity of the infection.
Will tooth infection go away with antibiotics?
No, tooth infection won’t go away with antibiotics. It can ease the symptoms of tooth infection but won’t eradicate the source of infection.
