Are there over-the-counter antibiotics for tooth infections?

Key takeaways

• Antibiotics like penicillin, amoxicillin, and metronidazole are the first-line treatment for tooth infections, but they require a prescription from a dentist or doctor — they’re not available over the counter.
• Online care services may help you connect with a healthcare professional for evaluation and a prescription while you wait for a dental appointment, though you’ll still need to see a dentist for procedures like drainage or root canal.
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, warm salt water rinses, and avoiding extreme temperatures can provide temporary relief until you receive professional dental care.

Tooth infections can cause very uncomfortable symptoms, such as pain, swelling, sensitivity, and pus. They’re typically caused by bacterial infections, so the first-line treatment is antibiotics.

Antibiotics are not typically available over the counter (OTC) — you’ll need a prescription from a healthcare professional, like a dentist or a doctor.

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How to get antibiotics for tooth infections

Typically, you’ll make an appointment with a dentist, who will evaluate your infection and prescribe an antibiotic if needed. Some of the most common antibiotics for tooth infections include:

• penicillin
• amoxicillin (Amoxil)
• metronidazole (Likmez)

In many cases, your dentist will carry out other necessary procedures, such as drainage, a root canal, or tooth extraction.

One of the biggest reasons that antibiotics are prescription-only is the risk of antibiotic resistance. This is when the bacteria become stronger and can resist the drugs used to kill them. This can happen any time antibiotics are used and lead to strains of bacteria that can’t be treated, so doctors prescribe these drugs with caution.

However, it can be difficult or inconvenient to get an appointment with a dentist in a timely manner.

Online care for dental pain

Online care services, including Optum Perks Online Care, may make getting treatment easier. With these services, you can submit an online form answering a few questions about your symptoms, and a US-licensed healthcare professional will respond soon after to prescribe a treatment plan.

Some other services allow you to speak with a healthcare professional via phone or video call. However, you should always be connected with a licensed healthcare professional.

With Optum Perks, you can connect with a healthcare professional for evaluation while you wait for an appointment with a dentist. Even if you’re prescribed antibiotics online, you will still need to see a dentist.

With the proper precautions — including education for dentists and doctors, alongside careful tracking and reporting — online care services can be a good option for people to receive antibiotics.

Are there any OTC options?

You should always see your dentist if you have a tooth infection. Your teeth are very close to your brain, and a tooth infection can quickly spread to nearby areas and organs.

There are a few things you can do at home for relief before your appointment, such as:

• OTC pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• avoiding hot or cold foods whenever possible
• brushing with a soft toothbrush around the affected tooth

Another common strategy to reduce pain is a saltwater rinse. To do this, you can mix a small amount of table salt into a glass of warm water and use it like a mouthwash, taking care not to swallow it. According to some 2020 research, it can reduce inflammation around your teeth and gums.

How to find affordable dental care

Dental care is essential, but costs can be a barrier. Here are practical ways to access affordable dental care:

• Use discount programs like Optum Perks for medications: Optum Perks can help you save on your medication costs if your dentist prescribes antibiotics or medicated mouthwashes.
• Use the Health Insurance Marketplace: If you need dental coverage, the Health Insurance Marketplace allows you to compare plans that include dental benefits. Some health plans bundle dental coverage, and premiums cover both medical and dental services.
• Visit Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs): FQHCs provide dental care on a sliding fee scale based on your income, making them a reliable option for low cost services. You can find locations near you by calling your local or state health department or dialing 211 for referrals.
• Ask your dentist about payment options: Many dental offices offer in-house payment plans, discounts for upfront payment, or sliding scale fees for uninsured patients.
• Explore local financial assistance programs: Community health departments and other local organizations often run programs to help residents access affordable dental care. Contacting these groups can connect you to resources tailored to your area.

When is an infection an emergency?

A tooth infection (abscess) can become serious if it spreads or causes severe symptoms. Seek immediate medical or dental care if you experience:

• swelling in your face, cheek, or neck that is spreading or difficult to control
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• fever, confusion, or rapid heartbeat
• severe, persistent pain that doesn’t improve with OTC painkillers
• a spreading redness or rash on your skin

These signs may indicate a life threatening infection that requires urgent treatment, such as drainage, antibiotics, or even hospitalization. If you’re unsure, contact a healthcare professional or go to the nearest emergency room.

What’s next?

If you have a tooth infection, it’s important to make an appointment with a dentist. In the meantime, you can take the following steps to ease symptoms:

• consider contacting an online care service
• try OTC pain relievers
• consider a saltwater rinse to reduce swelling

Learn more about dental pain and medications

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Disclaimer: While Optum Perks strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses.