The use of antibiotics for swollen gums needs to be adjusted according to the cause and severity of this condition. Mild swollen gums usually go away on their own with home treatment. However, if it is severe, swollen gums may need to be treated with antibiotics from a doctor.
Swollen gums are a common dental and oral health problem. Complaints of swollen gums are usually followed by other symptoms, such as pain in the gums, bad breath, and bleeding from between the teeth and gums, especially when brushing teeth.
What Causes Swollen Gums?
The occurrence of swollen gums can be caused by several things, including:
Gingivitis
Complaints of swollen gums are often caused by gingivitis or gingivitis. This condition usually occurs due to a bacterial infection in the gums or poor oral hygiene.
If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to severe tooth and gum decay or periodontitis. In this condition, it is necessary to use antibiotics for swollen gums.
Viral and fungal infections
Swollen gums can sometimes also be caused by viral infections, such as the herpes simplex virus and the coxsackie virus. In addition to swelling, the viral infection can also hurt the gums and mouth, and appear painful blisters.
Swollen gums can also occur due to a fungal infection Candida albicans on the mouth. This condition is known as oral thrush or oral candidiasis. This fungal infection can make the gums, tongue, and mouth painful, bleed easily, and appear covered with a white coating.
Giving antibiotics for swollen gums can not overcome viral or fungal infections. This is because antibiotics are only used to treat bacterial infections.
Pregnancy
Swollen gums during pregnancy are caused by changes in hormone levels during pregnancy which can increase blood flow to the gums and cause the gums to become irritated and swollen.
This condition goes away on its own without any treatment. Since swollen gums caused by hormones in pregnancy are not associated with a bacterial infection, antibiotics for swollen gums are also unnecessary.
Nutritional deficiency
Swollen gums can be a sign or symptom of a lack of certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin A, and B vitamins, protein, iron, and vitamins. zinc. In addition, a lack of antioxidants can also cause the gums to become swollen and easily inflamed.
If the cause of swollen gums is nutritional deficiency, the use of antibiotics is not necessary. Even so, lack of nutrients can make the immune system and tissues weaken, making it easy for infections of the gums and mouth to occur. If there is a bacterial infection, then the use of antibiotics for swollen gums is necessary.
Should swollen gums be treated with antibiotics?
Not all cases of swollen gums need to be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics for swollen gums are not necessary if the condition is caused by a viral infection, yeast infection, pregnancy, or nutritional deficiency.
The use of antibiotics is only recommended to treat severe gingivitis, namely inflammation of the gums accompanied by severe swelling, fever, suppuration, swollen lymph nodes, and causes teeth to fall out.
Giving antibiotics in severe cases of gingivitis aims to eradicate bacteria in the gums, and prevent bacteria from spreading to the gums or other organs of the body, such as the sinus cavities and heart.
Some types of antibiotics for swollen gums that are commonly given by doctors are:
- Amoxicillin
- Metronidazole
- Erythromycin
- Clindamycin
- Doxycycline
- Tetracycline
- Minocycline
To determine the right type of antibiotic for swollen gums, it is necessary to have an examination by a dentist first.
Should I Take Antibiotics for Swollen Gums?
Although the swelling of the gums has improved after taking antibiotics, you still have to finish the antibiotics that have been prescribed by your doctor.
The reason is, if the use of antibiotics is stopped too soon, it could be that the infection in the gums has not completely healed. In addition, bacteria that cause infection can become resistant to these antibiotics. As a result, the gums can swell again and are even more difficult to treat.
Improper use of antibiotics can also increase the risk of bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics. Therefore, you are advised not to carelessly use antibiotics for swollen gums or stop using them without the knowledge of your doctor.
To prevent swollen gums, you need to regularly brush your teeth 2 times a day and use dental floss, reduce the habit of consuming sweet foods and drinks, drink enough water, and regularly visit the dentist every 6 months.