What should you know about mouth infection treatment antibiotics?

Mouth symptoms can come from a tooth, gum, salivary gland, throat or skin infection, as well as irritation or a non-bacterial illness. Antibiotics work against susceptible bacteria; they do not treat every cause of pain, swelling, coating or ulceration.

A dental abscess may need drainage or dental treatment as well as medicine. Infection can sometimes spread into nearby tissues, causing facial swelling, fever or difficulty opening the mouth. The correct medicine depends on the suspected site, allergies, pregnancy status and other medicines.

Arrange a dental or medical assessment if mouth pain, swelling, pus, fever or a worsening sore persists. If antibiotics are prescribed, take them at the stated dose and times, complete the prescribed course unless the prescriber changes it, and do not use someone else’s tablets or leftover medicine.

Keep the area clean, drink fluids if swallowing is comfortable, and use only pain relief that is suitable for you. Antibiotics do not remove the source of a tooth infection when dental treatment is needed.

Seek urgent help for rapidly increasing mouth or facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, a muffled voice, inability to open the mouth, or swelling near the eye. Fever with worsening pain also needs prompt assessment.

After starting an antibiotic, emergency care is needed for facial swelling, wheezing, faintness or widespread hives, which may indicate a serious allergic reaction.

Ask what infection is being treated, whether a dental procedure is needed, how to take the medicine with food or other tablets, what side effects to watch for, and when the infection should be reviewed.