From the FDA Drug Label
Clindamycin is indicated in the treatment of serious infections caused by susceptible anaerobic bacteria. Its use should be reserved for penicillin-allergic patients or other patients for whom, in the judgment of the physician, a penicillin is inappropriate. Anaerobes: Serious skin and soft tissue infections; Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility to clindamycin
The best antibiotic for a dental abscess is clindamycin 1, as it is effective against anaerobic bacteria, which are often the cause of dental abscesses. However, its use should be reserved for patients who are allergic to penicillin or for whom a penicillin is inappropriate.
- Key considerations:
- Bacteriologic studies should be performed to determine the causative organisms and their susceptibility to clindamycin.
- Clindamycin is effective against serious skin and soft tissue infections, including those caused by anaerobic bacteria.
- The use of clindamycin should be guided by the results of bacteriologic studies and the judgment of the physician.
From the Research
The best antibiotic for a dental abscess is typically amoxicillin, prescribed at 500 mg three times daily for 5-7 days, as it is effective against the common bacteria found in dental abscesses, including aerobic and anaerobic organisms 2.
Key Considerations
- For patients allergic to penicillin, clindamycin (300 mg four times daily for 5-7 days) is an effective alternative, as it has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of odontogenic infections 3.
- In more severe infections or cases with poor response to amoxicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (Augmentin) may be prescribed at 875/125 mg twice daily for 5-7 days, as it provides broader coverage against beta-lactamase-producing bacteria 4.
- Antibiotics alone are not sufficient treatment for a dental abscess, and dental intervention is essential to drain the abscess and address the underlying cause, such as through root canal treatment or tooth extraction.
- Patients should also take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain management, maintain good oral hygiene, and use warm salt water rinses to help reduce inflammation while awaiting dental treatment.
Supporting Evidence
- A study published in 2009 found that empirical use of amoxicillin or cefalexin after surgical treatment significantly reduced the time of clinical symptoms duration in acute odontogenic infections 2.
- Another study published in 2014 found that clindamycin, gentamycin, linezolid, and imipenem were effective against the bacteria isolated from orofacial space infections of odontogenic origin 5.
- A study published in 1999 found that clindamycin was a useful antibiotic for empirical antimicrobial treatment of odontogenic infections, with high susceptibility rates against anaerobic bacteria 6.