Is Sulfamethoxazole used for tooth infections? 

Is Sulfamethoxazole used for tooth infections? 

No, Sulfamethoxazole is not intended to be used for the management and treatment of tooth infections. Sulfamethoxazole is a strong antibiotic, but it is not a good choice of antibiotic for tooth infections. Common infections treated by Sulfamethoxazole are (1):

  • Urinary tract infections
  • Lower respiratory tract infections – Bronchitis 
  • Middle ear infections – Otitis media 
  • Traveller’s diarrhoea 
  • Shigellosis – Bacillary dysentery 
  • Pneumocystis pneumonia (PCP) 

The above-mentioned conditions are those for which Sulfamethoxazole is prescribed. If you think you have a tooth infection, talk to your healthcare provider. 

It’s not recommended to start taking antibiotics without your doctor’s approval. Your doctor will examine your symptoms and will prescribe an appropriate antibiotic to treat your condition. 

How to treat a tooth infection?

Tooth infections are generally caused by gram-positive bacteria, which are treated by only selective antibiotics. Amoxicillin is considered the drug of choice for the management and treatment of tooth infections. Some other effective antibiotics include (2):

  • Doxycycline 
  • Penicillin 
  • Erythromycin 
  • Tetracycline
  • Cephalexin 
  • Clindamycin

These antibiotics are carefully prescribed by the dentist. They help clear up the infection. Your doctor may also recommend OTC painkillers like Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Acetaminophen, etc to help with your pain. 

Dental gels containing local anaesthetics can also be used for pain relief. A tooth infection usually clears up in a few days. However, the time taken by your body to heal varies, depending on the severity of the infection, the individual’s overall health, and the type of treatment provided.

It’s important to follow the treatment plan prescribed by a dentist or healthcare provider and to attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to ensure the infection is properly treated and resolved.

How to know if you have a tooth infection? 

Tooth infection is not so hard to identify because of its characteristic symptoms like 

  • Throbbing pain in your tooth 
  • Swelling in your gums, jaw, neck, or face. 
  • Radiating pain in your jaw, neck, temples, and ears
  • Fever
  • Pain while chewing 
  • Foul taste or smell in the mouth

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, immediately report to your dentist. It is not wise to start treating your infection yourself or use any antibiotic you have available at home. 

Only your doctor can help you with the proper diagnosis and prescribe the best-suited antibiotic. 

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References

1.-

Sulfamethoxazole and trimethoprim (Oral Route) – Description and Brand Names. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. March 1, 2022 [cited Jan 20, 2023]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/sulfamethoxazole-and-trimethoprim-oral-route/description/drg-20071899.

2.-

Poveda Roda R, Bagan JV, Sanchis Bielsa JM, Carbonell Pastor E. Antibiotic use in dental practice. A review. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2007 May 1;12(3):E186-92. PMID: 17468711. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17468711/