From the Guidelines
Cephalexin can be used for tooth infections, particularly those caused by susceptible bacteria, with a recommended dosage of 500 mg taken orally every 6-8 hours for 7-10 days, as seen in other types of infections 1. The choice of antibiotic for a tooth infection depends on the severity of the infection and the suspected causative organisms. Cephalexin is a first-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that works by inhibiting bacterial cell wall synthesis, making it effective against many gram-positive bacteria commonly involved in dental infections.
- Key points to consider when using cephalexin for tooth infections include:
- Effectiveness against gram-positive bacteria
- Potential ineffectiveness against anaerobic organisms
- Common side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, and potential allergic reactions
- Importance of completing the full course of antibiotics
- Need for comprehensive dental care to address the underlying cause of the infection However, it is essential to note that cephalexin may not be effective against all types of oral bacteria, particularly anaerobic organisms that often contribute to dental abscesses.
- The most recent and highest quality study 1 provides guidance on the use of antibiotics for skin and soft tissue infections, which can inform the treatment of tooth infections. While cephalexin can help manage dental infections, it should be used as part of comprehensive dental care that addresses the underlying cause, such as a damaged tooth requiring dental intervention. Patients should complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve and seek prompt dental care alongside antibiotic treatment.
From the Research
Cephalexin for Tooth Infections
- Cephalexin has been studied as a potential treatment for dental infections, including tooth infections 2, 3.
- A 1984 study compared the efficacy of cefaclor and cephalexin in treating dental infections, finding that cephalexin was effective in 92.4% of cases, although slightly less effective than cefaclor on the third day of treatment 2.
- A 2024 study found that cephalexin-clavulanic acid was as effective as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cefuroxime in managing dental infections, with 98.3% of patients showing clinical improvement within 10 days 3.
Comparison to Other Antibiotics
- Cephalexin has been compared to other antibiotics, such as amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and clindamycin, in the treatment of odontogenic infections 3, 4.
- A 2015 study found that amoxicillin-clavulanic acid was comparable to clindamycin in achieving clinical success in acute odontogenic infections, with a success rate of 88.2% versus 89.7% 4.
- A 2007 study found that cephalexin was not tested, but amoxicillin-clavulanate, clindamycin, and metronidazole exhibited high antimicrobial activity against anaerobic bacteria involved in dentoalveolar infection 5.
Antibiotic Therapy in Dentistry
- Antibiotic therapy is commonly used in dentistry to treat odontogenic infections, nonodontogenic infections, and as prophylaxis 6.
- Cephalexin is not specifically mentioned as a commonly used antibiotic in dentistry, but it has been studied as a potential treatment for dental infections 2, 3.
- The choice of antibiotic should be based on the severity of the infection, the patient's medical history, and the susceptibility of the causative bacteria to the antibiotic 6, 5.