Antibiotic meds have needful capabilities to destroy microbes like bacteria. Such drugs can offer cure for different kinds of bacterial infections; for example, antibiotics are prescribed for skin infections, soreness of throat, inner ear conditions, etc. However, one antibiotic drug cannot manage many types of infectious conditions. Doxycycline is one among popularly used antibiotics. Can you use doxycycline for tooth infection?
Meds belonging to a genre called antibiotics are used for the treatment of infections bacteria cause. You need to know most forms of bacteria do not trigger an infection. They may turn infectious only when their growth rates turn exponential. Most symptoms of infections caused by bacteria bear a lot of similarity with those caused by viruses and fungi.
Intake of antibacterial meds for fungi-induced infections can do more harm than good. If you have been using antibiotics for fungi or virus-based infections, microbes may soon tolerant to these meds. This is a basic reason why seasoned healthcare professional is needed to detect the root-cause of infection.
In this light, what is doxycycline?
Doxycycline is a drug belonging to a genre called tetracycline antibiotics. It is prescribed to arrest the growth of bacteria. It is used for the treatment of rosacea, acne and few such skin-based conditions, gum infections, eye-based infections – to name some.
Doxycycline
A few caregivers prescribe it for the prevention of malarial conditions as well as conditions caused by mites or lice. Pharmacies have two versions of this med viz., doxycycline hyclate and doxycycline monohydrate.
One of the glaring differences of these 2 versions of doxycycline: extent to which it is water-soluble. Monohydrate form of doxycycline is only moderately mildly soluble in water; on the other hand, hyclate is instantly soluble in water.
Is doxycycline good for tooth infection?
Doxycycline is used for oral and gum-based infections. This medication works by stopping infections caused by bacteria from growing further. Drugstores sell doxycycline in strengths between 60 milligrams (mg) to 100 mg; these are available as tablets and as capsules. A liquid / suspension form is also available; some drug stores also have an injection form of doxycycline. It is unsafe to take doxycycline along with antacids.
Doxycycline for tooth infection dosage
Standard medication plans are administered for a week’s time. However, the timeline may vary based on severity of your oral condition. Once you have started the dosages, you may need to give a couple of days for the drug to start working. You need to know doxycycline acts faster than many meds of this tetracycline antibiotic sub-genre.
Dosages range from 100 milligrams to 200 mg in case of units. However, for children – dosages are lowered and are in accordance to their body weight. Soon after starting the first dose, doxycycline is known to start working. But your doctor may advise you to take this medication for a few days’ time to obtain better remedial outcomes. There are also a few stray instances wherein medication plans have lasted for more than a couple of weeks’ time.
How long until a tooth infection kills you? An untreated tooth infection can become life-threatening if it spreads to other parts of the body. Symptoms such as fever, swelling, and difficulty breathing may signal the spread. Without prompt treatment, serious complications like sepsis can develop. It’s crucial to seek dental or medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms of a severe tooth infection.
Beware of a few adverse side effects doxycycline may trigger. For instance, you may turn hypersensitive to sunlight, or may develop gastric conditions such as indigestion, vomiting along with nausea. Also, this med can work adversely when taken with mineral supplements; take added care if you take calcium-fortified foods.
In case of an overdose, you are likely to witness inflammation / swelling of oral parts, formation of rashes, respiratory problems, etc. On having troubles with breathing – such as gasping, wheezing or panting – call 911 in the US. If you are in Canada, reach out to Health Canada or go to a local poison control center without any further delay.
In general, doxycycline is one of the few meds that are highly recommended for treatment of tooth infections. But if you aim to have added inputs on doxycycline for tooth infection, it is a safe thing to consult with a certified clinical professional.
Disclaimer
Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from New York University. Experience: 5 years of experience writing for physiotherapy and sports medicine blogs, providing expert insights on injury prevention and rehabilitation.
