Toothache is one of the most common health problems. To overcome this, you can take antibiotics for toothache. However, do not just use antibiotics. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can cause problems.
Tooth chirping aka toothache can be caused by various things, one of which is a bacterial infection of the teeth. This condition needs to be checked by a dentist so that it can be treated properly.
If the doctor confirms that your toothache is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics for toothache.
Types of Antibiotics for Toothache
Antibiotics are generally used if the infection or toothache is severe, widespread, or in people with weakened immune systems. Antibiotic drugs used also depend on the type of bacteria that causes toothache.
Therefore, a toothache due to a bacterial infection needs to be checked by a dentist first so that the doctor can determine the severity of the infection and prescribe the right antibiotic.
Some types of antibiotics for toothaches that are usually prescribed by doctors include:
1. Amoxicillin
Amoxicillin is a type of antibiotic that belongs to the group penicillin. Antibiotics for toothache work by stopping the growth of bacteria on the teeth.
Doctors usually recommend amoxicillin to be consumed 3 times a day after meals. However, the dosage will be adjusted according to the severity of the infection.
2. Erythromycin
The doctor may prescribe erythromycin in toothache patients who are allergic to class antibiotics penicillin. This macrolide class of antibiotics works by inhibiting the proliferation of bacteria, so that the number of bacteria is reduced.
3. Doxycycline
If tooth or gum pain appears after dental procedures, such as: scaling or extract teeth, dentists usually prescribe doxycycline. Giving antibiotics for toothaches on this one aims to prevent infection and damage to tooth and gum tissue due to bacteria.
Doxycycline It is also given to people with toothache who are allergic to other types of antibiotics or to bacterial infections in the teeth that are resistant to other antibiotics.
4. Clindamycin
Clindamycin is an antibiotic that can treat various bacterial infections in the body, including toothache due to infection. Clindamycin can also be used as an alternative when other types of antibiotics are not effective for treating dental infections that occur.
5. Metronidazole
Doctors sometimes prescribe metronidazole in conjunction with penicillin or amoxicillin To treat toothache caused by certain types of bacteria.
However, this type of antibiotic may not be suitable for consumption by people with certain conditions, such as pregnant and lactating women, suffering from liver disease, undergoing dialysis procedures, or having allergies to metronidazole.
Consumption of Antibiotics According to the Rules
Antibiotics can indeed eradicate bacterial infections that cause toothaches, but these drugs should not be purchased over the counter.
This is because the inappropriate use of antibiotics can make dental infections more difficult to treat and increase the risk of bacterial resistance or immunity to antibiotics. Antibiotics also have some side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, causing allergic reactions, to fungal infections.
Therefore, the consumption of antibiotics must be in accordance with the prescription and recommendation of the dentist. When you are prescribed antibiotics for a toothache, the doctor will explain when and how long the antibiotics should be taken for the medication to work optimally.
For the record, you need to take antibiotics until they run out, even though the symptoms of toothache have subsided. The goal is that the tooth infection can be cured completely and the bacteria will not grow back or become resistant to the antibiotic.
In order not to get a toothache due to a bacterial infection, you need to always maintain the cleanliness and health of your teeth and gums in the following ways:
- Brush your teeth at least 2 times a day with toothpaste containing fluoride
- Using dental floss and gargling with mouthwash to clean food residue stuck in the mouth and between the teeth
- Limit sugar consumption
- Stop smoking habit
- Change your toothbrush every 3 months or if the bristles are damaged
Check your teeth and gums regularly to the dentist every 6 months
Antibiotics are not recommended to be used over the counter without a prescription or doctor's advice. If you experience a toothache accompanied by symptoms of fever, festering teeth and gums, bleeding and swollen gums, and swollen lymph nodes, immediately consult a dentist to get the right treatment.