What Are The Side Effects Of Antibiotics For Infected Tooth?

Antibiotics have a huge role to play in the medicine industry. It is designed to stop the infection from spreading. Aside from this function, it also helps in decreasing the number of bacteria that are present in a certain body part. But despite numerous efforts to prevent negative reactions, most antibiotics still have side effects on the body. One antibiotic for an infected tooth for example can have multiple side effects causing discomfort.

Common Tooth Problems

Our dental health needs proper cleaning and caring in order to maintain its glow and good state. However, because of our lifestyle and food choices, some dental problem occurs unexpectedly. Listed below are the most common dental problems all over the world:

1. Bad breath. This common condition is also known as halitosis. Bad breath can cause several problems such as embarrassment and low self-esteem. Dental studies suggest that bad breath can be caused by multiple reasons such as cavities, gum disease, dry mouth, oral cancer, and many more.
2. Abscessed tooth. An abscessed tooth can be a serious life-threatening condition if left untreated. It is a pocket of pus that forms in different parts of the mouth resulting in bacterial infection. Most cases show that this condition causes severe pain that radiates to the neck and ear.
3. Tooth decay. Also known as cavities, tooth decay is one of the most pervasive dental problems all over the world. People think that tooth decay is only common in children, but the truth is that as we age, we develop more cavities. These cavities occur when plaque merges with the sugar or starches from the food we eat causing tooth enamel-attacking acids.
4. Oral cancer. Some minor tooth problems that are left untreated and neglected can result in oral cancer. This is considered a serious and fatal disease that affects a lot of people. Although it can be cured if diagnosed early and treated right away. Oral cancer can be seen mostly in adults over the age of 40. Its main cause is the frequent use of tobacco and alcohol, and sometimes, HPV or sexually transmitted viruses can increase the risk as well.
5. Mouth sores. This condition does not last long and usually heals on its own. However, if the mouth sore lasted for a month, a dental prescription may be prescribed. Some types of mouth sore are not contagious and can be triggered by natural causes like cold and hot weather. On the other note, mouth sores that are caused by Herpesvirus are contagious and not curable.
6. Tooth sensitivity. Feeling pain and discomfort after drinking or eating foods that are too cold, sweet, and hot is a sign of tooth sensitivity.  People with sensitive teeth may also feel discomfort from brushing and flossing their teeth. Tooth sensitivity can also be a symptom of a cracked or abscessed tooth.
7. Tooth erosion. When our mouth is filled with acid that attacks the tooth enamel, tooth erosion occurs. It is basically the loss of tooth structure. Signs and symptoms of this oral condition include tooth sensitivity and tooth cracking.

Treatments For Tooth Infection

When bacterias start to build up in the root of the teeth, an abscessed tooth occurs. This kind of infection does not normally just go away without medication. If you feel any uneasiness and you suspect that your dental health is at risk, it’s better to consult your dentist as soon as possible.

To temporarily ease the signs and symptoms you may want to do home care:

• Relieve pain by taking over the counter painkillers like ibuprofen and aspirin.
• Avoid chewing with the infected tooth for the meantime.
• Use soft toothbrushes only.
• Do not drink or consume foods that are too cold and too hot.
• Gargle warm water with a teaspoon of salt.

Remember that these remedies are temporary only and you will still need to see your dentist for proper consultation and diagnosis.

An abscessed tooth can be treated by a root canal procedure. But if the pus is too big and it affects a large part of your tooth, dental surgery may be performed to save the tooth. This process would include a root canal and gum cutting to let the pus out. Afterward, a crown or cap will be placed on top of the tooth for protection. In severe cases where the tooth cannot be saved anymore, the dentist will have to extract the tooth to totally remove the infection and prevent further damage.

Antibiotics Prescribed For Infected Tooth

After going through a series of dental checkups and procedures, the dentist will start prescribing antibiotics to make sure that the abscess will no longer spread and affect other healthy parts of the mouth. Here are some of the common antibiotics for infected tooth and their side effects;

1. Azithromycin. Improper use and intake of this medicine can lead to its ineffectiveness. Azithromycin is used to treat very serious types of bacterial infection known as mycobacteria. This is often prescribed to be taken once a week and can be taken with or without food. Some of its common side effects are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and upset stomach. Serious side effects are composed of changes in hearing, eye problems, muscle weakness, and liver problems.
2. Amoxicillin. This medicine is used to fight certain types of bacteria.  The usual dosage of amoxicillin for tooth infection is 500 mg every 8 hours or 1000 mg every 12 hours. Some of the minor side effects of amoxicillin are vomiting, nausea, rash, diarrhea, and vaginal yeast infection. In some cases, this medicine can cause serious side effects like hypersensitivity reactions and liver damage.
3. Metronidazole. This type of medicine is used to stop the bacteria from growing and infecting healthy teeth. For a more accurate and acceptable result, take this drug at the same time every day or as prescribed by your dentist. Side effects of metronidazole include dizziness, headache, upset stomach, constipation, loss of appetite, and nausea.
4. Cefoxitin. This medication is given by injection with dosages that are based on your condition and your body response to the treatment. Cefoxitin can cause several side effects like swelling, redness, soreness, and pain. On certain occasions, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and loss of appetite may also occur.
5. Penicillin. Is also injected into the patient according to the doctor’s instruction. Penicillin can cause pain on the actual injection site, nausea, and vomiting. Due to the type of resistant bacteria that it’s trying to treat, this medication may result in the severe intestinal conditions. If you experience developing diarrhea weeks or months after taking the medication, notify your doctor right away.

Keep in mind that your doctor will only prescribe you the best medicine that he thinks will benefit you effectively. A series of tests, laboratories, and other examinations will be needed in order to come up with the best medication corresponding to your dental needs. Each medicine will react depending on how much and how long you take the antibiotic. It is always important to strictly follow your doctor’s instructions and prescriptions.

Preventing Tooth Infection

To avoid the need for any dental surgery and medication, it is essential that we avoid the things that can cause dental decay and tooth infections. Good dental care will always lead to a healthier and much brighter smile.

Here are the few things that we can do to prevent tooth infections;

1. Brushing the teeth 2 to 3 times a day.
2. After brushing, let your whole mouth rest for a little while before gargling with mouthwash.
3. Floss at least once a day. This will help you have completely clean teeth.
4. Avoid sugary drinks.
5. Replace your toothbrush every after 3 to 4 months.
6. See your dentist regularly.