What is the most effective antibiotic for a dental abscess (tooth abscess)?

For a dental abscess, the best antibiotic is typically amoxicillin, prescribed at 500 mg three times daily for 5-7 days. If the patient is allergic to penicillin, clindamycin (300 mg four times daily for 5-7 days) is an effective alternative. For more severe infections or those not responding to amoxicillin alone, a combination of amoxicillin with clavulanic acid (Augmentin) may be prescribed. It's important to complete the full course of antibiotics even if symptoms improve. However, antibiotics alone are not sufficient treatment for a dental abscess - they should be used alongside proper dental intervention to drain the abscess and address the underlying cause, such as a root canal or tooth extraction. Antibiotics work by killing the bacteria causing the infection, but without removing the source of infection, the abscess may return. Patients should also take over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain management and use warm salt water rinses to help reduce discomfort while waiting for dental treatment.