Table of Contents

• How Do Tooth Infections Develop? 
• Why an Antibiotic Isn’t Enough to Clear Tooth Infections
• Risk Factors That Increase Your Chance of Tooth Infections
• How Dentists Treat Tooth Infections
• Tips for Avoiding Future Infections
• Avoid Tooth Infections with Professional Dental Support

Dealing with a tooth infection can leave you feeling a bit uncomfortable. It may make it difficult to eat, drink, speak, and spend time with your loved ones. While your dentist may have recommended a root canal, you may wonder whether an antibiotic prescription is enough to alleviate this infection. 

In some cases, patients may choose to forgo essential dental treatments and opt for a full course of antibiotics instead. However, this can have a devastating impact on your oral health and may result in far more complications than you anticipate. If you’re dealing with a tooth infection, keep reading to learn more about why an antibiotic alone isn’t enough to remedy this problem. 

How Do Tooth Infections Develop? 

Your mouth is home to thousands of different types of bacteria. While many of the bacteria in your mouth play a crucial role in keeping your mouth clean and removing harmful bacteria, they can’t catch them all. In some cases, tooth decay-causing bacteria may enter a damaged or compromised tooth before good bacteria have a chance to do their job. 

As the bacteria enter your tooth, it has access to the nerves and blood vessels throughout. When this happens, your body’s immune response is triggered, leading to the formation of inflammation and the potential for pus to be present in the surrounding tissue. If this bacteria isn’t addressed immediately, it continues to spread deep within the roots of your tooth. 

Why an Antibiotic Isn’t Enough to Clear Tooth Infections

When you’re experiencing an infection in other parts of your body, an antibiotic is often sufficient to address this. However, the same cannot be said for your teeth. When it comes to tooth infections, the problem doesn’t start deep within the tooth; instead, it is often caused by a variety of physical sources. 

Whether the infection is the result of a cavity or abscess inside the tooth, your antibiotic cannot remove the physical source from within your teeth. Additionally, some bacteria are trapped within the tooth where the blood supply has been destroyed. Without access to your bloodstream, the antibiotic cannot remove the infection. 

While an antibiotic may alleviate some of the initial symptoms, the infection can return. Instead of relying solely on antibiotics for care, it is essential to follow the advice provided by your dentist. With their care, you can address problems at their initial source, ensuring you avoid repeat problems. 

Risk Factors That Increase Your Chance of Tooth Infections

While anyone is at risk of developing a tooth infection, there are a few things you may do that increase your odds. If you partake in any of the following lifestyle habits, you may be more likely to develop a tooth infection than others: 

• Poor Oral Hygiene Habits: If you don’t brush and floss regularly, you may experience increased bacterial presence and potential for infection. 
• Sugary, Starchy Diets: Sugars and starches feed bacteria, increasing acid production and making you more at risk of developing a tooth infection. 
• Tobacco Use: Tobacco use increases your risk of developing gum disease and makes it more difficult for your body to fight off infections. 
• Dental Trauma: Following falls or sports-related injuries, which can cause cracks and chips, there is a greater risk of bacteria entering the tooth, potentially leading to an infection.

While an antibiotic prescription can help you address the initial irritation from your tooth infection, it is essential that you undergo any recommended dental procedures to avoid future problems. 

How Dentists Treat Tooth Infections

There are several ways your dentist may treat an infection, in addition to prescribing an antibiotic, before and after treatment. One of the most common treatment options is a root canal. During this procedure, your dentist removes the infected tissue within the root system of your tooth and then fills the roots with a rubber material called gutta-percha. 

They may also drain any abscesses, which can compromise your ability to heal. In cases where you’re experiencing extreme infection, a tooth extraction may be your best option. While this can be daunting, it is essential to remember that your dentist will only recommend an extraction as a last resort to protect the surrounding teeth and tissue. 

Once they’ve completed any essential dental treatment, your dentist will prescribe an antibiotic. While you may be tempted to stop taking your antibiotic prematurely, it is crucial to complete the full course of medication. By taking an antibiotic as prescribed by your dentist, you can trust that you’re taking adequate steps to eliminate any remaining risk of infection. 

Tips for Avoiding Future Infections

While undergoing essential dental procedures and taking an antibiotic can help you clear up oral health problems, you want to do everything possible to avoid dealing with repeat infections. Thankfully, preventing future infections is easier than you may think. If you’re trying to maintain your best oral health following past infections, make sure you: 

• Take the full course of your antibiotic
• Attend all follow-up appointments with your dental team
• Brush and floss your teeth regularly
• Avoid using nicotine products, which inhibit healing
• Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages
• Drink plenty of water throughout the day
• Replace your toothbrush regularly, but especially after a recent infection
• Schedule an exam if you notice signs of an infection

With comprehensive at-home care, an antibiotic prescription, and support from a reliable dental team, you can trust that you’re doing everything in your power to achieve and maintain your best oral health. 

Avoid Tooth Infections with Professional Dental Support

When you work with a professional dental team, you can trust that they’ll catch minor problems before they spiral into severe tooth infections. If you’re looking for a reliable dental team in Hendersonville, NC, turn to our team at Hendersonville Family Dental. With decades of experience, we can help you address any oral health ailments, from minor cavities to deep infections.

If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team of experts, don’t hesitate to contact us today.