Can Antibiotics Cure an Infected Tooth?
- Marc The Dental Shaman
- Nov 7
- 6 min read
When your tooth aches and your face feels sore, it’s tempting to reach for antibiotics and hope the problem goes away. But can antibiotics cure an infected tooth?
The truth is they can’t.
For more clarity you can watch this vide to know what Marc the dental shaman guide for it -
Antibiotics basically can help control bacteria for a short while, but they don’t fix what’s actually wrong.
A dental infection lives deep inside the tooth or gums, where antibiotics can’t properly reach. Only a dentist can remove the source and stop it from coming back.
This article explains why antibiotics often fall short, what really cures a tooth infection, and how to heal safely both medically and naturally.
What Actually Happens When a Tooth Gets Infected
A tooth infection, also called an abscess, starts when bacteria enter the inner part of your tooth the pulp.This can happen from:
Deep decay that reaches the nerve
A cracked or broken tooth
Gum disease that opens a pathway for bacteria
An old filling that’s failed
Once bacteria are inside, they multiply and produce pus. That pressure causes the throbbing pain you feel.
Because the infection is trapped in a closed space, your body can’t easily fight it off and antibiotics can’t circulate there either.
So while you might get temporary relief, the infection quietly continues underneath.
Why Antibiotics Alone Don’t Work?
Antibiotics work through your bloodstream. They can reduce inflammation and swelling in surrounding tissue, but they can’t clean the inside of a dead or sealed-off tooth.
That’s why the pain sometimes fades for a week or two, then returns often worse than before.The infection isn’t gone; it’s just hidden.
Dentists often see patients who’ve been on antibiotics for weeks without ever treating the actual source. By the time they arrive, the infection may have spread into the jawbone or face.
This is why every dental guideline including the American Dental Association (ADA and the NHS says: antibiotics can help in emergencies, but they don’t cure tooth infections.
What Really Cures an Infected Tooth
There are only three ways to truly stop a tooth infection:
1. Drainage and Cleaning
Your dentist may drain the abscess either through the gum or by opening the tooth.This releases the pressure and allows the pus to escape. Relief is often instant.
2. Root Canal Treatment
If the tooth can be saved, your dentist removes the infected pulp, cleans the canals, and seals the space.Once sealed, bacteria can’t return.It’s a safe and effective way to keep your natural tooth.
3. Extraction
If the tooth is too damaged or the infection too severe, removing it allows the body to heal.After extraction, the area is cleaned and usually heals within a few days.
These are the real solutions because they remove the source of the infection.
When Antibiotics Are Actually Needed
Sometimes antibiotics are still useful just not as the main fix.Dentists prescribe them when:
The infection is spreading (swelling in the face or neck)
There’s fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes
You can’t get treatment right away
You have a weakened immune system (like diabetes or other conditions)
Common options include Amoxicillin, Penicillin V, or Clindamycin (if you’re allergic to penicillin).But they’re always a short-term support until you can get dental treatment.
What Happens If You Only Take Antibiotics
If you take antibiotics without seeing a dentist, the pain will probably ease. But once you stop the medication, the infection returns.
It might come back with stronger pain, more swelling, or even affect other areas of your jaw.
Ignoring it for too long can lead to:
Bone loss around the tooth
Tooth loss
Jaw infection (osteomyelitis)
Sinus involvement
In rare cases, serious systemic infection
It’s not worth the risk. The sooner you treat the cause, the easier and safer it is to fix.
What to Expect at the Dentist
If you visit your dentist with a tooth infection, here’s what usually happens:
Examination and X-ray – to locate the infection source.
Local anaesthetic – to numb the area.
Drainage or cleaning – to relieve pressure.
Root canal or extraction – depending on how bad the infection is.
Pain relief and care advice – your dentist will guide you through recovery.
Once the source is removed, your body does the rest of the healing naturally.
How Long It Takes to Heal
Most people start feeling better within two to three days of treatment.The pain fades first, then swelling goes down.
You may need a short course of antibiotics alongside the procedure if the infection was spreading.
If you only take antibiotics, relief is short-lived. But once the infection is actually cleaned or drained, healing becomes quick and steady.
Home Remedies (While You Wait for Treatment)
If you can’t get to a dentist immediately, these can help manage pain temporarily:
Rinse gently with warm salt water several times a day.
Take ibuprofen or paracetamol as directed.
Keep your head raised while sleeping to reduce pressure.
Avoid hot, cold, or sugary foods.
Do not apply aspirin directly on the gum it burns tissue.
These are short-term measures. You still need to see a dentist.
Prevention: How to Avoid Another Infection
Good daily care prevents 90% of dental infections.
Let me talk what really works:
Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush.
Floss or use an Ozone Water Flosser to clean between teeth.(Ozone water helps neutralise bacteria without harsh chemicals a favourite tool in holistic dentistry.)
Limit sugary foods and refined carbs.
Drink plenty of water.
Visit your dentist every six months.
Dr Marc Mortiboys, also known as Marc The Dental Shaman, often explains how small daily rituals like conscious breathing and gentle gum care can balance your mouth’s natural environment.
If you’re curious, his video “Healing the Mouth Through Energy and Breath” is a beautiful starting point for understanding this deeper connection.
Can Natural Remedies Replace Antibiotics?
Natural approaches can support healing, but they can’t replace proper dental care.
Essential oils, salt rinses, and ozone therapy can calm bacteria and inflammation but they don’t remove infection trapped inside a tooth.
However, after treatment, natural methods can help recovery. For example, using ozone-infused water daily keeps your gums oxygenated and lowers the risk of future infections.You can learn more in our blog “How Ozone Water Supports Gum Healing Naturally”.
How Antibiotics Fit Into Holistic Dental Care?
In holistic and biological dentistry, antibiotics are viewed as tools not enemies, but not cures either.
They can help protect the body during acute infection, but long-term healing depends on removing the infection’s source and supporting the body’s immune system.
Practices like ozone therapy, meditation, and mindful nutrition help balance the environment that allowed infection to grow in the first place.
As Dr Marc often says, “Healing your mouth is also healing your energy.”
Here is some Trusted Resources you should explore as well -
American Dental Association – Evidence-Based Guidance on Antibiotics
European Society of Endodontology – Antibiotics in Endodontics (YouTube)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can antibiotics cure an infected tooth?
No. They can reduce swelling and pain but can’t reach the infection inside the tooth.Only a dentist can clean or remove the infected tissue.
2. How long do antibiotics take to work?
Usually 48–72 hours for symptom relief, but the infection returns if not treated.
3. Can I avoid a root canal?
If the tooth’s structure is healthy, a root canal saves it.Skipping treatment often leads to extraction later.
4. Is it safe to delay treatment?
No. Dental infections can spread quickly. Seek care as soon as possible.
5. What if I’m allergic to penicillin?
Your dentist may prescribe Clindamycin or Azithromycin instead.
6. Can I treat it naturally at home?
You can ease pain naturally, but you can’t cure the infection.Always combine natural care with professional treatment.
So, can antibiotics cure an infected tooth?
No ,they help, but only temporarily.Real healing comes when the infection is removed through drainage, root canal, or extraction.
So, If you’re in pain right now, don’t wait for the swelling to fade. Book an appointment.
And while you heal, care for your mouth gently stay hydrated, breathe deeply, and treat your gums with kindness.
For natural support during recovery, explore the Ozone Water Flosser a simple way to keep your gums clean and energised every day.
About The Dental Shaman
Founded by Dr Marc Mortiboys, The Dental Shaman blends science and spirituality to bring balance back to oral health. From conscious dental care to ozone-based healing, we help you see your mouth as a mirror of your whole body.
Visit The Dental Shaman Shop for more holistic dental resources and tools that support your healing journey.
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