Antibiotics for an Infected Tooth

According to MedlinePlus, a toothache is generally the result of a dental cavity in which the tooth begins to decay, leading to infection. The cause is most often attributed to poor dental hygiene, although a genetic proclivity to tooth decay can also play a role. Since the oral cavity is rife with bacteria, any opening in the tooth enamel can cause serious complications for the root and supporting bones. Physicians prescribe a variety of antibiotics to patients with tooth infections to eliminate infection-causing bacteria. Anyone who experiences persistent pain or swelling of the gums should contact a dental professional immediately.

Penicillin

According to the Merck website, penicillin is the most preferred antibiotic for oral flora. Penicillin functions by inhibiting the formation of bacterial walls as they proliferate, causing bacteria to weaken and die. A penicillin prescription for an infected tooth generally lasts for one week, although symptoms such as tissue swelling, pain and fever start to diminish after a couple of days. Individuals with asthma, kidney disease or a history of allergies should not use this antibiotic, Drugs.com warns. If symptoms persist or worsen, patients should immediately contact a dental or health care professional.

Clindamycin

Clindamycin is an alternative antibiotic to penicillin for tooth infections, according to Merck. It is also used to treat a variety of bacterial infections including those of the skin, lungs and internal organs, according to MedlinePlus. It belongs to the lincomycin group of antibiotics and comes in capsule or liquid form with usual required dosing of three to four times per day. The length of the treatment depends on the severity of the tooth infection, although it usually does not extend past a week. MedlinePlus says that if nausea, vomiting, joint pain or thrush develops after taking this antibiotic, the patient should immediately contact a physician.

Amoxicillin and Clavulanate

Amoxicillin is part of the penicillin medicine group, and clavulanate belongs to the beta-lactamase inhibitors family. The combination of these compounds, known by several brand names, functions by killing sensitive bacteria to prevent its growth, according to MayoClinic.com. As an oral antibiotic, this drug helps to reduce the development of drug-resistant bacteria while remaining effective against harmful flora, according to DailyMed, a publication of the U.S. National Institutes of Health. This medication is generally safe, although diarrhea, nausea and vomiting can occur, reports Drugs.com.