Can amoxicillin capsules treat toothache?

Jun 19, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

Recently, I've had severe tooth pain. My doctor advised me to take amoxicillin capsules. May I ask, can amoxicillin capsules treat tooth pain?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Guo Huijie
Amoxicillin capsules, as a broad-spectrum antibiotic, are primarily used to treat various diseases caused by bacterial infections. Regarding toothache, their effectiveness depends on the specific cause. If the toothache is due to a bacterial infection in the oral cavity, such as gingivitis or periodontitis, amoxicillin capsules may help alleviate inflammation and thereby reduce pain to some extent. However, not all toothaches are caused by bacterial infections. Some toothaches may originate from dental issues themselves, such as tooth damage or impacted wisdom teeth, in which case amoxicillin may be less effective. When experiencing toothache, it is recommended to first consult a dentist to determine the underlying cause before deciding whether to use amoxicillin capsules or other medications. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene, along with regular dental check-ups and cleanings, is an important measure for preventing toothaches.