Tooth Abscess Antibiotics

Tooth abscess, also known as dental abscess and root abscess, is a condition in which pus is collected in the tissues surrounding a tooth, due to a bacterial infection. It usually occurs in the tissues around a decayed tooth or due to a failed root canal. Tooth abscess is of three types - a periodontal abscess, a gingival abscess and a periapical abscess. A gingival abscess occurs in the gum tissue without affecting the tooth, a periapical abscess occurs in the dental pulp or the root of a tooth, and a periodontal abscess occurs in the tissues and bones of a tooth.

Causes of Tooth Abscess
A tooth abscess is caused due to tooth decay or a bacterial infection in the tissues surrounding a tooth. Bacteria enters the dental pulp and weakens it. It is caused due to the destruction of the tooth enamel and the dentin, in a decayed tooth. Also, if an infected dental nerve is not treated on time, the bone around the root of the infected tooth weakens and allows bacteria to enter, causing pus to collect and form an abscess.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Tooth Abscess
The main and most common symptom of a tooth abscess, is a continuous, severe and throbbing toothache. Pain may also be experienced while yawning, biting and chewing. Other symptoms include bad breath, redness and swelling of the gum, sensitivity of the tooth to hot or cold food items, fever, bitter taste, a swollen upper or lower jaw, facial swelling, etc. If any of the above symptoms are experienced, a dental professional should be consulted immediately. A dentist would be able to easily diagnose a tooth abscess, through examination of the tooth and diagnostic tools like a tooth x-ray.

Treatment for Tooth Abscess - Tooth Abscess Antibiotics
Since tooth abscess is caused by bacterial infections, the best treatment for it would be consuming antibiotics that cure the infections. The antibiotics prescribed reduce the infection and prevent it from spreading by penetrating deep into the pus cavities and the tooth bone. Analgesics can be consumed along with antibiotics to relieve the pain. Antibiotics of the penicillin group are administered as a tooth abscess remedy. The following tooth abscess antibiotics can be helpful.

• Amoxicillin: It is used to cure and prevent infections, that can be caused or are caused by bacteria. They do not kill the bacteria, but stop them from multiplying by destroying their cell wall. Amoxicillin is available under various brand names like Amoxil, Dispermox and Trimox, in the form of tablets, capsules, chewable tablets and powder and tablets for suspension. It may cause some side effects like diarrhea, vomiting, itching and abdominal pain.
• Metronidazole: It is used in the treatment of infections caused by susceptible bacteria, like anaerobic bacteria. It blocks a few of the functions of the infection causing bacteria within their cells which causes their death. Metronidazole is available under the brand name Flagyl, which is marketed by Pfizer in the form of tablets, capsules and injections. It may have a few side effects like nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, etc.
• Clindamycin: This is prescribed for those allergic to antibiotics of the penicillin group. It prevents and eliminates infection, by stopping bacterial growth. It is available under the brand name Cleocin, in the form of tablets. It should be taken at equal intervals and for the prescribed duration, as stopping consumption early can cause the bacteria to grow again. It may have some side effects like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.
• Co-amoxiclav: This is an antibiotic containing a combination of potassium clavulanate and amoxicillin trihydrate. It is available under the brand names of Exclav, Augmentin, Synermox, etc. It may have minor side effects like diarrhea or nausea.

All the above mentioned tooth abscess antibiotics and other medications for tooth abscess, should be taken under the advise of a medical practitioner, if they are to be an effective tooth abscess remedy. Once the abscess has been cured, proper dental care is essential to avoid a recurring tooth abscess problem. All medications should be consumed till the prescribed duration, to cure an abscessed tooth and to prevent the re-occurrence of the infection, which may actually worsen the abscess problem. In case of a serious infection, a surgery or tooth extraction may be needed.