Tooth infections are often caused by bacteria, and antibiotics are necessary to target the bacteria that is causing the infection. The type of antibiotic recommended by a dentist can depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection and whether the patient is allergic to penicillin. The best antibiotics for a tooth infection include:
-
Amoxicillin: This is often the first choice because it is widely effective and has the fewest gastrointestinal side effects.
-
Penicillin: This is a group of antibiotics that includes penicillin and amoxicillin.
-
Metronidazole: This is an effective antibiotic that is prescribed along with penicillin for stubborn bacteria that are not killed by penicillin itself.
-
Clindamycin: This is an alternative to penicillin antibiotics for dental abscess treatment.
Its important to take the full course of antibiotics exactly as directed by a doctor to help eradicate the infection. Not doing so can make a recurring infection harder to treat. Antibiotics may have side effects such as rash, nausea, and diarrhea. Its also worth noting that not all tooth infections require antibiotics. In some cases, a dentist may be able to drain the abscess or perform a root canal to fix the issue.
