the right antibiotic for gum infections

Are you experiencing severe gum disease? Periodontitis and abscesses can lead to severe complications without timely treatment. You might experience these infections due to bacterial overgrowth caused by poor hygiene, plaque, etc. Antibiotics play a crucial role in healing you. They can protect you from tooth loss, gum recession, etc.

Read this blog to learn which antibiotics can safeguard you from infections.

What Are The Causes of Gum Infections?

Here are some common causes of gum infections:

  • Lack of brushing and flossing might cause plaque and tartar build-up in your gum line.
  • Certain habits like smoking and an unhealthy diet might cause bacterial overgrowth in your mouth, causing infections.
  • Underlying medical conditions like diabetes might further worsen your condition and slow down healing.

You might experience redness, swelling, pain, and puss formation due to this gum condition. Watch out for bleeding while brushing. A dentist in Northside, Richmond, can help you take the best course of action to deal with the symptoms. 

What Is The Role of Antibiotics in Treating Gum Infections?

Antibiotics will simply kill or slow down the growth of bacteria responsible for your gum infections. A dentist usually prescribes it only for severe infections that is not responding to inital treatments like deep cleaning.

This sort of strong medicine is especially necessary for gum abscesses with puss, post-surgical infection prevention, and bacterial stains that are resistant to basic oral care. However, you must be very careful about overusing them. Excessive consumption might make you resistant to antibiotics making future treatments harder. 

Take them according to the dosage prescribed by the professional and trained dentist.

What Are The Different Types of Antibiotics Used For Gum Infections?

Here are some antibiotics that can help you recover from various types of gum infections:

  • Penicillins are a common first-line medicine that can target a wide range of bacteria. You typically have to take them every 8 hours for 7-10 days. 
  • You can take macrolides if you are allergic to penicillin. They can fight aggressive bacteria, and you must take 500 mg twice daily.
  • Tetracyclines can help reduce gum inflammation and bacterial infections if you take 100g once or twice daily. 
  • Metronidazole can fight anaerobic infections when used in combination with amoxicillin. Take 250-500 mg every 8 hours.
  • The dentist might refer to clindamycin for severe infections. You must take 300g every 6 hours, however, watch out for side effects like diarrhea and colitis.

Always complete the full course, even if you start to feel better after a few days of taking the medication. Using antibiotics without a prescription can cause you more harm than good, leading to resistance and ineffective treatment. Always follow a dentist’s guidance.

Gum infections can be painful and harmful if you don’t seek proper treatment. Antibiotics do play an important role in helping you recover from infections. However, use them cautiously under dental supervision. Maintain good oral hygiene and follow the dentist’s instructions. Maintain good oral hygiene and follow all the instructions given by your dentist.

Are you ready to deal with gum infections? Seek consultation today for assistance!