Many of us have taken antibiotics for one reason or another. Whether you had an ear infection or you had to take them after a procedure, they have the purpose of treating and preventing bacterial infection. However, did you know that they are sometimes used in dentistry when patients have certain medical conditions? Read on to learn about some of the cases where you may require antibiotics before a dental appointment.
Heart Conditions
If you have one of a select list of heart issues, your dentist might ask that you take a course of antibiotics to reduce the effect of complications from a dental visit. The goal is to reduce the risk for developing infective endocarditis, which is an infection of the heart’s lining or valves that could be caused by the spread of oral bacteria throughout the body. Ultimately, the mouth is the doorway to the rest of the body. Patients with the following conditions may be recommended antibiotics.
- Prosthetic heart valve
- History of endocarditis
- Heart transplants with abnormal heart valve function
- Congenital heart defects
- Repaired congenital heart defects with residual effects
Oral Infection
When a dentist detects that there are signs of an acute or chronic infection in the mouth, especially when accompanied by a fever, swelling, or other infection related symptoms, antibiotics may be prescribed. Tooth infections can occur when bacteria enter a tooth’s root/ This results in pain, tissue death, and a buildup of pus. Typically, an infected tooth is treated by antibiotics, root canals or tooth extractions.
Another type of infection in the mouth is called periodontitis. This is an infection of the gum tissue that can cause gum recession, loose teeth, tooth loss, and bone shrinkage. Sometimes, antibiotic treatment is used to help fight back against infectious bacteria before it spreads to other areas of the body.
What Kind of Antibiotics Are Used in Dentistry?
There are all sorts of different antibiotics out there to help people beat infections throughout the body. Here are some of the ones that are commonly used in dentistry.
- Penicillin: This is a class of antibiotic that can treat a wide range of bacteria infections.
- Amoxicillin: An antibiotic is the penicillin family used to treat a variety of infections.
- Metronidazole: Antibiotic with antimicrobial properties used to treat ulcerative gingivitis.
- Erythromycin: Broad spectrum antibiotic used for patients with penicillin allergies.
- Co-trimoxazole: This antibiotic targets specific bacterial infections.
- Sulphonamides: This group of antibiotics can penetrate cerebrospinal fluid.
- Cephalosporin: Another antibiotic used when patients are allergic to penicillin.
- Tetracycline: An antibiotic used to treat a spectrum of infections.
Thanks to antibiotics, so many people are able to avoid and fight off infections that could eventually become serious. If you aren’t sure if you need antibiotics before dental appointments, this is something to discuss with your dentist. This way, you can receive dental care with peace of mind.
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny earned his dental doctorate from the prestigious University of Florida College of Dentistry. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, West Coast Dental District, and the Academy of General Dentistry. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit her website or call (239) 261-5566.