Dentistry: Tooth Infections, Antibiotics & Smart Home Care

A toothache can be just pain—or the first sign of an infection that needs prompt attention. Dental infections spread quickly through soft tissue and bone, so knowing when to act and what meds your dentist might choose makes a real difference. Read this if you want clear, practical steps for handling tooth infections, what antibiotics work, and simple at-home care that actually helps.

When to see a dentist now

Book urgent care if you have: visible swelling of the face or neck, fever, trouble opening your mouth (trismus), difficulty breathing or swallowing, or rapidly worsening pain. Those signs can mean the infection is spreading beyond the tooth. For bad tooth pain without those red flags, call your dentist within 24–48 hours—delaying can lead to abscesses that need surgical drainage or extraction.

Which antibiotics are commonly used

Antibiotics don’t fix the source—your dentist usually needs to drain an abscess or treat the tooth—but they help control spread and symptoms. Common choices and typical examples your dentist might use:

- Amoxicillin: often 500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg twice daily. First-line for many odontogenic infections when no allergy exists.

- Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Augmentin): 875/125 mg twice daily. Used when broader coverage is needed or when initial therapy fails.

- Cephalexin: 500 mg every 6–12 hours. A cephalosporin that can be an alternative for some patients (note: some cross-reactivity with penicillin allergies).

- Clindamycin: 300 mg every 6–8 hours. Often used if you’re allergic to penicillin; good bone penetration for dental infections.

- Metronidazole: 500 mg every 8 hours, usually combined with another antibiotic if anaerobic coverage is needed.

Typical duration is 5–7 days for straightforward cases, extended to 7–10 days for severe infections. Always follow your prescriber’s exact instructions—stop only when they say it’s safe.

Note on allergies: if you have a true penicillin allergy, tell your provider. That changes safe options and dosing.

Practical home care while you wait

Control pain and swelling with simple steps: take NSAIDs like ibuprofen (200–400 mg every 4–6 hours, within max OTC limits) or acetaminophen as directed. Do not mix doses without checking. Use warm salt-water rinses (a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) several times daily to ease irritation. Apply a cold pack to the cheek for 10–15 minutes to reduce swelling, and avoid very hot drinks.

If drainage occurs (pus), keep the area clean but don’t try to lance it yourself. Avoid smoking and sugary foods—they worsen infection and slow healing.

Antibiotic resistance is real. Take the full course as prescribed, don’t pressure your dentist for antibiotics when they’re not needed, and always discuss side effects—diarrhea with clindamycin or metronidazole can happen and needs attention.

Bring a list of allergies and current meds to your appointment, ask about generic options or savings cards if cost is a concern, and prioritize follow-up. A tooth infection is manageable, but timely care is what keeps small problems from becoming emergencies.

Acyclovir in Dentistry: Applications and Benefits
Angus MacAlister 27 April 2023
Acyclovir in Dentistry: Applications and Benefits

As a blogger, I recently came across the topic of Acyclovir in dentistry and its various applications and benefits. Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that has been found to be effective in treating oral infections caused by the herpes simplex virus. Dentists often prescribe it for patients dealing with painful cold sores, which can make dental procedures more comfortable and prevent complications. Additionally, Acyclovir can help manage recurrent outbreaks in individuals with frequent oral herpes infections, improving their overall quality of life. It's fascinating to learn about the different ways this medication is being used in dentistry to enhance patient care.