Gum infections, also known as periodontal disease, can be painful and uncomfortable. If left untreated, they can lead to serious complications such as tooth loss and bone damage. Many people wonder if a gum infection can go away with antibiotics.
Experience the next level of dental coverage with Humana Extend. A dentist may also prescribe antibiotics for individuals with a history of infective endocarditis or a weakened immune system. Doxycycline for a tooth infection is not recommended in children under 12 because antibiotics from the tetracycline class can cause permanent tooth staining in children. Therefore, doxycycline should only be taken for a toothache if that toothache is caused by a severe infection and your dentist has prescribed it to you.
This relationship does not necessarily indicate that one causes the other, though. At face value, our results may seem intuitive – surgical wound infections come from bacteria that hang out around that part of the body. But this realization has some potentially powerful implications for prevention and care. Nearly 60% of infections were also resistant to the preventive antibiotic administered during surgery, the antiseptic used to clean the skin before incision or both. It turns out the source of this antibiotic resistance was also not acquired in the hospital but from microbes the patient had already been living with unknowingly.
Other treatments may be necessary to support the body’s organs and limit the damage resulting from the infection. It is rare for a tooth infection to spread to other parts of the body. However, if this does happen, the consequences can be severe.
How Do Antibiotics Work for Gum Infections?
The infection destroys some of the tooth structure making the tooth weaker. These dental abscess symptoms usually come on quite suddenly. Within a few hours, you may find yourself in excruciating pain.
An antibiotic called metronidazole may be given for some types of bacterial infections. It’s sometimes prescribed with penicillin in order to cover a larger variety of bacterial species. Antibiotics of the penicillin class, such as penicillin and amoxicillin, are most commonly used to help treat tooth infections. A gum abscess can also occur due to a deep periodontal pocket.
Your dentist may suggest a deep cleaning procedure called scaling and root planning. This procedure removes plaque and tartar from above and beneath the gum line. If you experience gum pain, tenderness, or tastes pus in your mouth, don’t ignore these signs. Your dentist may be able to identify a gum abscess (or make another diagnosis) based on your symptoms.
Antibiotics are medications that help fight bacterial infections in the body. When it comes to gum infections, antibiotics can be prescribed to help eliminate the harmful bacteria causing the infection. They work by killing or inhibiting the growth of bacteria in the gums, allowing the body to heal and the infection to go away.
Are Antibiotics Effective for Treating Gum Infections?
While antibiotics can be effective in treating gum infections, they are not always the best solution. In some cases, antibiotics may be necessary to help control the infection and prevent it from spreading. However, they are often used in conjunction with other treatments such as deep cleaning or surgery to fully address the underlying issues causing the infection.
FAQs about Gum Infections and Antibiotics:
- Can antibiotics cure a gum infection completely? – Antibiotics can help manage the infection, but they may not cure it completely without additional treatment.
- How long does it take for antibiotics to work on a gum infection? – It varies depending on the severity of the infection, but most people start to see improvement within a few days of starting antibiotics.
- Are there any side effects of taking antibiotics for a gum infection? – Like any medication, antibiotics can have side effects such as upset stomach or allergic reactions. It’s important to follow the doctor’s instructions and report any unusual symptoms.
In conclusion, while antibiotics can be helpful in treating gum infections, it is important to consult with a dentist or healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment. In many cases, a combination of antibiotics and other treatments may be necessary to fully resolve the infection and prevent future complications. Remember to practice good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental check-ups to keep your gums healthy and infection-free.
