From the FDA Drug Label
Amoxicillin for oral suspension is a penicillin-class antibacterial indicated for treatment of infections due to susceptible strains of designated microorganisms Infections of the Skin and Skin Structure
The best antibiotic for an oral (mouth) infection is not explicitly stated in the label, but amoxicillin can be used to treat infections of the skin and skin structure, which may include oral infections. However, the label does not directly address oral infections.
- The label does mention Upper Respiratory Tract Infections but does not specifically mention oral (mouth) infections.
- Amoxicillin is used to treat various infections, but its use for oral infections is not directly stated in the label 1
From the Research
The best antibiotic for an oral infection is typically amoxicillin, with a recommended dosage of 500mg taken three times daily for 7-10 days, as it is often the first-line treatment and has been shown to be effective in targeting common bacteria found in oral infections, including anaerobic bacteria, as supported by the most recent study 2. When considering the treatment of oral infections, it's essential to understand the microflora and regional anatomy involved, as discussed in 3. The human oral cavity contains over 500 different bacterial species, which can lead to dental plaque formation and infections, as highlighted in 4.
In cases where patients are allergic to penicillin, clindamycin 300mg four times daily for 7-10 days is a suitable alternative. For more severe infections or those not responding to amoxicillin, amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (Augmentin) may be prescribed, typically 875mg/125mg twice daily for 7-10 days, as supported by 5 and 6.
Some key points to consider when treating oral infections include:
- Completing the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve before finishing the prescription
- Using antibiotics alongside, not instead of, proper dental treatment to address the underlying cause of the infection
- Seeking prompt dental care while taking antibiotics, as these medications alone may not completely resolve the infection
- Being aware of the potential for gastrointestinal side effects, including Clostridium difficile infection, when using amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, as discussed in 6
It's also important to note that the optimum length of treatment with systemic antibiotics in adults with dental infections is still a topic of debate, with some studies suggesting that shorter courses of antibiotics may be effective, as discussed in 2. However, more research is needed to determine the best approach.