Understanding How Antibiotics Combat Tooth Infections

Tooth infections are never fun. They can cause serious pain and discomfort, but the good news is that with the right treatment, you can expect to be back to normal in no time.

At Paramount Dental Sydney, we understand how complex tooth infections can be and use antibiotics as a key tool to fight these bacterial infections.

What Are Tooth Infections?

To understand how antibiotics help, it’s important to know what a tooth infection is. Tooth infections, also called dental abscesses, happen when bacteria invade the tooth's inner pulp or surrounding tissues. Common bacteria that cause these infections include Streptococcus and Staphylococcus.

Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to stopping the infection from getting worse and causing further complications.

Symptoms of a dental abscess (tooth infection)

If you’re facing some/all of the symptoms below, then you’re likely suffering from a dental abscess and should seek medical care immediately.

Persistent, throbbing pain in the affected tooth or surrounding area
Pain radiating to the jaw, neck, or ear
Swelling in the face, cheek, or jaw
Redness and tenderness around the infected tooth
Sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures and pressure
Bad taste in the mouth or foul-smelling breath
Formation of a pus-filled pocket (abscess) on the gum
Fever and swollen lymph nodes
General feelings of malaise or discomfort

How Antibiotics Work

Antibiotics are powerful medicines used by dentists to treat a range of issues, including tooth infections. These drugs target the bacteria causing the infection, helping to stop them from spreading and allowing your body’s immune system to fight back more effectively.

At Paramount Dental Sydney, we carefully prescribe antibiotics to ensure the best results while minimising the risk of antibiotic resistance.

How Antibiotics Fight Bacteria

Antibiotics work in different ways to fight bacteria. Here’s how they help combat tooth infections:

Inhibiting Bacterial Cell Walls: Some antibiotics, like penicillin, disrupt the bacteria’s cell walls, causing them to break down. This makes it easier for your body to eliminate the infection.
Blocking Protein Production: Others, like tetracycline, stop bacteria from making the proteins they need to grow and multiply.
Disrupting DNA: Antibiotics like metronidazole interfere with the bacteria’s DNA, preventing them from replicating and spreading the infection.

Treating tooth infections with Antibiotics

Customised Antibiotic Treatment

At Paramount Dental Sydney, we focus on providing personalised antibiotic treatments based on the severity of the infection and the specific needs of each patient. This approach helps ensure effective treatment while reducing the risk of side effects and antibiotic resistance.

Fighting Antibiotic Resistance Together

In a time when antibiotic resistance is on the rise, Paramount Dental Sydney is committed to using antibiotics responsibly. We educate our patients and work together with other healthcare professionals to fight this growing problem.

Additional Treatments

Along with antibiotics, other treatments like root canal, drainage procedures, and periodontal therapy are often needed to fully treat the infection and restore oral health.

Patient Education

We believe in educating our patients about the causes, prevention, and treatment of tooth infections. This knowledge helps you make informed decisions about your dental care.

Your Partner in Oral Health

Antibiotics are vital tools in treating tooth infections. Paramount Dental Sydney is dedicated to using them wisely, providing patient-focused care, and promoting overall oral health.

With our expertise and commitment to excellence, you’re in safe hands with us. If you are experiencing symptoms of a tooth infection, then book a consultation here.