Penicillin antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, are most commonly used to treat tooth infections. Clindamycin can be useful if you're allergic to or haven't had success with penicillin antibiotics. It's also active against a variety of bacteria.
Rinse with salt water
Rinsing with salt water creates a saline mixture to safely begin sterilizing the infection. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of table salt with 1/2 cup of warm tap water. Swish in your mouth for a few minutes before spitting. Repeat every few hours if needed.
Usually, within 2-3 days, you'll start feeling better and see an improvement in the infection. On average, a full course of antibiotics takes 7 to 14 days to complete depending on the type used.
If you have a fever and swelling in your face and you can't reach your dentist, go to an emergency room. Also go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing or swallowing. These symptoms may indicate that the infection has spread deeper into your jaw, throat or neck or even to other areas of your body.
Leaving an infection to spread to your facial bones may eventually necessitate surgical removal to stop it. Even in minor cases, a tooth infection can cause the bone structures of your jaw to weaken, making it hard to support your teeth.
A person who suspects that their tooth infection has spread should seek immediate medical treatment. The most effective way to prevent tooth infections is to maintain good oral hygiene. People can do this by limiting their sugar intake, brushing their teeth twice per day, and visiting the dentist regularly.
Rinse Your Mouth With Baking Soda
Baking soda can help remove and fight plaque in your mouth. It's a common household item that most people have in the cupboard. Mixing baking soda and water and rinsing for five minutes twice a day is a good way to fight an abscess at home.
A tooth infection will not go away on its own. Your toothache may stop if an infection causes the pulp inside your tooth to die. The pain stops because the nerve isn't functioning anymore, so you may not be able to feel it. However, the bacteria will continue to spread and destroy surrounding tissue.
We are happy to prescribe Metronidazole, Amoxicillin or Clarithromycin to deal with dental abscesses. All treatments are prescribed by us and dispensed by our pharmacy for next day delivery.
Antibiotics will not cure toothache, they will only mask the problem until you have something done about the tooth itself. They may stop the pain for a few days, weeks or even months, but it will always come back with a vengeance!
If the infection is limited to the abscessed area, you may not need antibiotics. But if the infection has spread to nearby teeth, your jaw or other areas, your dentist will likely prescribe antibiotics to stop it from spreading further. Your dentist may also recommend antibiotics if you have a weakened immune system.
All dentists are qualified to perform emergency tooth extractions if and when necessary. Tooth extractions are a relatively common oral surgical procedure and may be necessary if your tooth is severely damaged or infected.
These are the current ADA recommendations for the duration of a course of antibiotics for a tooth infection: Oral amoxicillin: Three to seven days. Oral penicillin V potassium: Three to seven days.
This is considered a dental emergency. To fix this, you will need a root canal treatment. The sooner the better. Otherwise, your infection will spread.
Baking soda rinse
Baking soda is another effective way to drain tooth abscesses at home. This remedy is good at removing plaque and has antibacterial properties. Just like a salt water rinse, you can prepare a baking soda rinse. Rinse your mouth with this mixture for 5 minutes and do this two times a day.
If the infection spreads, you may also develop a high temperature (fever) and feel generally unwell. In severe cases, you may find it hard to fully open your mouth and have difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Symptoms of a Tooth Infection Spreading to the Body
Here are the signs of a tooth infection spreading to the rest of your body: Feeling generally sick. Extreme sensitivity to cold or hot food and drink. Severe toothache from the tooth outward.
If the signs of infection are evident, the patient is prescribed some antibiotics before the tooth extraction. Why is tooth extraction needed? If left untreated, the infection may reach other parts such as the jaw, head, or neck.
Saltwater rinse
This easy and affordable solution can provide effective temporary relief of your abscessed tooth. It can also encourage wound healing and healthy gums. Add 1/2 teaspoon of regular table salt to 1/2 cup of warm tap water. Rinse your mouth with the salt water.
It will not do any harm if you swallow the pus. The pus will discharge at night while sleeping, and it is normal. It is not related to incomplete pus drainage.
In conclusion, the maximum period that an untreated tooth abscess can sustain is 12 months or more. But, such longevity is associated with dangerous complications such as sepsis or even death. Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!