Over-the-counter antibiotics for tooth infection

Young Woman Suffering from Tooth Ache
Medically reviewed by Dr. Ola Tarabzuni

Overview

A tooth infection can be treated effectively by prescription medications due to the nature of the cause and severity. It usually is a bacterial or viral infection, making it difficult for any over-the-counter medications to resolve. Over-the-counter antibiotics can help manage the bacterial growth that leads to infection only with the right knowledge of bacterial infection and its causes. Its important to know the cause and severity of your infection with proper healthcare consultation and examination. 

Can I buy antibiotics for tooth infection over the counter?

Usually, tooth infections are bacterial, and antibiotics are required for effective, proper treatment. Some antiseptic formulations can be obtained over the counter, but oral antibiotics require a prescription.

Some of the best over-the-counter options for tooth infections and to treat related pain are: 

Pain relievers

Some of the best and mostly obtained pain relievers are 

  • Ibuprofen (Advil) greatly helps reduce inflammation and pain in the gums or mouth due to dental abscesses and infections. 
  • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) relieves pain but does not have anti-inflammatory properties. It is only taken to manage pain caused by the infection.
  • Aspirin is also considered one of the best options to help reduce pain effectively and reduce inflammation. It’s not recommended for children due to its blood-thinning properties and GIT disturbances associated with aspirin.

Antiseptics and topical treatments

Antiseptics play a very crucial role in cleaning and preventing the infection from further spread. Some of the best OTC options for antiseptics include: 

  • Hydrogen Peroxide: It’s a diluted hydrogen peroxide rinse that can help reduce bacteria in the mouth. It also gives a very fresh and relieved feeling in the mouth after the incubation and pain due to dental infection. 
  • Benzocaine: It’s a topical anesthetic that numbs the affected area to relieve pain temporarily. Only after a complete diagnosis are prescription medications prescribed for effective treatment. 
  • Antiseptic Mouthwash: Any or all antiseptic mouthwashes can help reduce bacteria in the mouth and maintain oral hygiene very effectively. Some also have flavors added to them for a better aftertaste. 
  • Some Natural Remedies like salt water rinse and the use of garlic and clove oil are the best-recommended options to treat not only pain but also infection in the mouth. These are preferred due to their zero side effects after consuming them in any way. 
  • A cold compress can also be considered the best option in case other remedies don’t work. It also helps greatly reduce the swelling of gums and cheeks due to infection.  
Get connected with an online doctor to effectively diagnose your tooth infection!

Prescription antibiotics for tooth infections

Most dental infections require antibiotics, proper diagnosis, and a prescription to get the maximum treatment. Some of the most prescribed prescription options for treating dental infections are : 

  • Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin class of antibiotics. It works by killing the bacteria directly. It’s important to complete the dosage duration of antibiotics to avoid antibiotic resistance development. 
  • The dose of amoxicillin usually prescribed by healthcare providers is 500 mg every 8 hours or 875 mg every 12 hours.
  • Penicillin VK (Penicillin potassium) also belongs to the penicillin class, with potassium having additive effectiveness for effective and long-term relief. It also helps prevent relapse of infection. The dose of Penicillin potassium prescribed to adults is 500 mg every 6 hours.
  • Clindamycin belongs to the lincomycin antibiotic class, which treats infection by stopping bacterial growth that eventually leads to the death of bacteria. The dose for clindamycin prescribed is 300 mg every 6 to 8 hours.
  • Metronidazole is an effective antibiotic that treats a number of bacterial infections, like skin infections, mouth infections, infections of the reproductive system, and rosacea. The prescribed dose for metronidazole is 500 mg every 6 to 8 hours.
  • Azithromycin: 500 mg on the first day, followed by 250 mg once daily for the next four days.
Get the right prescription for your tooth infection within minutes!

How long does it take for antibiotics to work on a tooth infection?

It depends on the nature of the bacterial infection. Usually, it takes 24 – 48 hours for medications to show their maximum effectiveness. 

Dr. Richard says completing the dosage regimen your healthcare provider prescribes is important to avoid resistance development. 

 He added that it would also treat the infection effectively and completely. 

Do all dental infections need antibiotics?

Yes. Almost all dental infections are bacterial and need antibiotics. The following are some exceptions:


1. Localized infections that get treated on their own and do not need medications to treat. They are infections on a lower scale that do not cause any significant symptoms.
2. Home remedies can effectively treat early-stage infections that are yet to be developed and do not require medications at first hand.
3. Non-bacterial infections that are viral or of any other nature do not need antibiotics

4. Post-dental procedures.

FAQs about antibiotics for tooth infections

Why is my tooth infection not responding to antibiotics?

Usually, it takes 48 hours or a week for antibiotics to show maximum effects. In case your tooth infection is not getting better with the antibiotics, consult your healthcare provider immediately to get an accurate diagnosis of your infection.

How do you know if a tooth infection spreads to your jaw?

If breathing is difficult and swelling occurs, there is a chance that your tooth infection has reached your jaw or deep into the throat. It happens because of the delayed diagnosis or zero medication compliance.

Your Doctors Online uses high-quality and trustworthy sources to ensure content accuracy and reliability. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and medical associations to provide up-to-date and evidence-based information to the users.

  • Erazo D, Brizuela M, Whetstone DR. Dental Infections. [Updated 2023 Nov 13]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542165/
  • Ahmadi H, Ebrahimi A, Ahmadi F. Antibiotic Therapy in Dentistry. Int J Dent. 2021 Jan 28;2021:6667624. doi: 10.1155/2021/6667624. PMID: 33574843; PMCID: PMC7861949.
  • Sanders JL, Houck RC. Dental Abscess. [Updated 2023 Feb 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK493149/
  • Contaldo M, D’Ambrosio F, Ferraro GA, Di Stasio D, Di Palo MP, Serpico R, Simeone M. Antibiotics in Dentistry: A Narrative Review of the Evidence beyond the Myth. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023 Jun 1;20(11):6025. doi: 10.3390/ijerph20116025. PMID: 37297629; PMCID: PMC10252486.
  • Cooper L, Stankiewicz N, Sneddon J, Smith A, Seaton RA. Optimum length of treatment with systemic antibiotics in adults with dental infections: a systematic review. Evid Based Dent. 2022 Sep 7. doi: 10.1038/s41432-022-0801-6. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36071280.
  • Cooper L, Stankiewicz N, Sneddon J, Seaton RA, Smith A. Indications for the use of metronidazole in the treatment of non-periodontal dental infections: a systematic review. JAC Antimicrob Resist. 2022 Aug 9;4(4):dlac072. doi: 10.1093/jacamr/dlac072. PMID: 35959239; PMCID: PMC9361036.
  • González-Martínez R, Cortell-Ballester I, Herráez-Vilas JM, Arnau-de Bolós JM, Gay-Escoda C. Antibiotic prescription in the treatment of odontogenic infection by health professionals: a factor to consensus. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2012 May 1;17(3):e452-6. doi: 10.4317/medoral.17504. PMID: 22143715; PMCID: PMC3476097.

Get started today

Talk to online doctors now and get medical advice, online prescriptions, and referrals within minutes. On-demand healthcare services at your fingertips.

talk to online doctor 24/7 free