How Long Does It Take for Amoxicillin To Work on a Toothache?

Your dentist prescribed an antibiotic to treat your tooth infection, and now you’re wondering how it takes for amoxicillin to work on a toothache.

We’ll address this, as well as other questions, in this article:

• What is amoxicillin?
• Is amoxicillin good for toothaches?
• Does amoxicillin take away tooth pain?
• How long does it take antibiotics to stop tooth pain?

We hope this article will clear up any questions you have about treating your toothache with amoxicillin.

What is amoxicillin?

Antibiotics are frequently prescribed to treat bacterial infections. Amoxicillin belongs to the penicillin family of antibiotics, which are very efficient in inhibiting bacterial development.

Amoxicillin is a medication that must be taken orally and comes in three different forms: instant release, extended-release, and chewable tablets.

It’s commonly taken with or without meals every 12 hours (twice a day) or every 8 hours (three times a day), according to medlineplus.gov. Always take antibiotics as instructed by your dentist.

Is amoxicillin good for toothaches?

Yes, amoxicillin will help in the treatment of your tooth infection. One of the first antibiotics advised for the treatment of a tooth infection is often amoxicillin. Antibiotic therapy has proven to be useful in dentistry.

Amoxicillin, like other antibiotics, treats the specific bacteria that cause the infection. To remove the source of the infection, the underlying cause must be treated, such as with a root canal or extraction. If the underlying cause of the treatment is not addressed, the antibiotic’s effectiveness will be limited. 

Dental infections can be odontogenic, meaning they originate in the tooth, or non-odontogenic, meaning they could result from bone, soft tissue, or another source of infection within the body. Most acute dental infections are treated with antibiotics such as amoxicillin over a 7 to 10-day period.

The length of time it takes for a patient to see results is determined by the nature of the infection and whether underlying treatment is being administered concurrently with the medication. For example, dental toothache infections that cause swelling can take days or weeks to heal.

Let’s take a look at the various damaging concerns before we talk about how long it takes amoxicillin to work on a toothache.

If it’s only a small abscess, the dentist may perform a root canal to totally remove the infection and preserve the tooth. However, if the infection is very bad, the dentist or a doctor might say that the infection should be treated first before the root canal.

This is accomplished by cutting a tiny slit in the gums and allowing the pus to drain. After that, the affected area is cleansed with saline.

How long does it take amoxicillin to work on a toothache?

Antibiotics work rather quickly to treat tooth infections and alleviate discomfort. If you follow your healthcare provider’s advice, amoxicillin should take effect within a few days. However, even if the pain and swelling are gone, you have to finish your course of antibiotics as prescribed.

Amoxicillin, like most medications, has common side effects such as diarrhea and nausea and can cause hypersensitivity to penicillin-type antibiotics. If you are frequently prescribed amoxicillin for other reasons, its effectiveness for your treatment may be limited, and you may require another antibiotic.

Antibiotics are typically prescribed based on the type of bacteria thought to be responsible for the dental infection. They are also not recommended for treating acute dental infections rather than chronic ones.

While you wait for the amoxicillin to take effect, your dentist may advise you to use painkillers such as ibuprofen to alleviate the symptoms. Should you not feel better after a week or your symptoms are getting worse, get medical help from a medical professional.

Here are some things you should know before using amoxicillin:

• Although amoxicillin is generally safe to use, the FDA classifies it as a Class B drug for pregnancy. However, when prescribed early in pregnancy, research has shown that it increases the risk of cleft palate defect.
• Amoxicillin may not be recommended for patients with kidney disease because it exits the body through the urine. Patients with kidney conditions should consult their dentist before taking the antibiotic.
• Amoxicillin, like other antibiotics, can help reduce the bacterial source of infection, but it is not a pain reliever. As a result, dental providers frequently prescribe pain relievers like ibuprofen or other medications to treat dental toothaches. Ultimately, definitive dental treatment of the source of the infection is the only way to eliminate pain.
• Amoxicillin, like other antibiotics, may reduce the efficacy of certain medications while being taken. Birth control medications, for example, may have reduced effectiveness, and patients taking them should be informed when amoxicillin is prescribed.

How to use amoxicillin

Watch this video to learn how to use the antibiotic amoxicillin.

This is an informational overview video on Amoxicillin. It is available as a powder for oral suspension, a tablet and an injection. When to use it? Amoxicillin is a wide-spectrum antibiotic. Which means it can be used to treat thousands different types of bacteria. Therefore amoxicillin is mostly used to treat infections caused by unknown microorganisms, such as: An upper respiratory tract infection (like a sinusitis) An lower respiratory tract infection (pneumonia) An urogenital tract infection (Chlamydia) An gastrointestinal infection (H. pylori bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers); Infections in your bones (e.g., osteomyelitis, prosthetic joint infections); And lastly severe skin and soft tissue infections. How to use it? Swallow it tablet whole, with a glass of water. Do not chew on it or crush it. Or resolve the powder in half a glass of water and drink it. Always take it at fixed times: preferably in the morning and in the evening. This lowers your chances on forgetting a dose. Furthermore, do not interrupt or stop the treatment and finish it completely. What is the correct dosage? It is important to always follow the precise prescription your doctor gave you. Dose for adults and children 40kg: 250-500 mg every 8 hours 750-1000 mg every 12 hours In serious infections 750–1000 mg every 8 hours Did you forget to take a dose? And does it take less than 4 hours till your next dose? Than skip the dose you missed and take the forgotten dose at the end of your treatment. What are the side-effects? (10%): diarrhea. (1-10%): nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, skin reactions (such as exanthema and itching). (0.1-1%): Dizziness, headache, super infections. (0.01-0.1%): anaphylactic shock, convulsions, drug fever. Safety: You can combine amoxicillin with any type of food and even with alcohol. Don’t use amoxicillin if you are hypersensitivity to penicillin. Pregnancy and Lactation: You can safely use amoxicillin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. However, you should stop with breastfeeding, if you are using amoxicillin and you child gets diarrhea, candidiasis and / or a skin rash. – Disclaimer: this video is meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. – Thanks for watching, and make sure to subscribe for future videos on medication and medical topics! Literature: 1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2020). Amoxicilline. 2: Apotheek.nl. (2020). Amoxicilline. 3. Durbin K. (2020). Amoxicillin. * The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Follow me on instagram: @HowtoMedicate Follow me on twitter: @HowtoMedicate Books I used In Medical School: Lehninger Principles of Biochemistry, https://amzn.to/2PFGidh Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology, https://amzn.to/3inL6jM Human Anatomy & Physiology, https://amzn.to/2DHlHCT Oxford Handbook of Clinical Specialties, https://amzn.to/3fU854s Oxford Handbook of Emergency Medicine, https://amzn.to/31LfMVg Oxford Handbook of Clinical Medicine, https://amzn.to/3ky73hZ Janeway's Immunobiology, https://amzn.to/3gLZW3e Atlas of Human Anatomy, https://amzn.to/3afFe9c Netter's Anatomy Flash Cards, https://amzn.to/2XSAMIN The House of God, S. Shem, https://amzn.to/31I7HAU Gear I use: Camera: Canon EOS M50: https://amzn.to/33SNMSn Microphone: Boya Lavalier Microphone: https://amzn.to/3aggLkc Microphone: Rode VideoMicPro: https://amzn.to/3amCmrh Computer: Apple Macbook Pro: https://amzn.to/33PDEtu

Can you buy amoxicillin for tooth infection online?

If you are unable to get to a dentist right now for a prescription, try using an online dentist service. Via text chat or video call, a licensed dentist can assess your condition and prescribe antibiotics or pain medication, if needed.

Denteractive is one such service, and their plans start from $14.99 if you wish to receive a prescription for amoxicillin for tooth pain online. Of course, they will only prescribe this if they deem it to be the most suitable treatment for your situation.

Be aware that antibiotics of any kind are only a temporary solution to tooth pain. If you do not visit a dentist to get the root cause treated, the tooth pain is likely to return.

Conclusion

Dental hygiene is an excellent way to avoid tooth problems. Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, have nevertheless become the first line of defense in the fight against infections.

Antibiotics are a common and safe medication for tooth infections, but they may have side effects. In rare situations, amoxicillin may cause serious adverse effects in some people, including an allergic reaction.

If you experience side effects, like swelling of the face, severe diarrhea, difficulty swallowing and breathing, or any other severe side effects, get emergency medical attention immediately.

FAQ

How long does it take antibiotics to stop tooth pain?

Antibiotics are effective in treating dental infections and relieving pain quickly. Antibiotics should start working within a few days if you follow your doctor’s instructions.

Does amoxicillin take away tooth pain?

Yes, amoxicillin can help take away tooth pain that is caused by a tooth infection. Amoxicillin is one of the first antibiotics recommended for the treatment of bacterial tooth infections.