You’ve probably already heard of antibiotic resistance, especially if you’ve ever had a complicated tooth infection.
But do you know exactly what this phenomenon means and how it can affect us all, including when we’re dealing with a tooth infection?
In this article, I explain to you what antibiotic resistance is, what causes it, how you can prevent it and which antibiotic is good for tooth infection.
In addition, I give you useful tips from my experience at INO Dental, where we frequently deal with patients who come in already treated “by ear”.
What is antibiotic resistance?
Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria develop mechanisms by which they can survive antibiotic treatment.
Basically, the medicine no longer works effectively and the infection persists or even gets worse.
Attention! It’s not your body that becomes resistant, it’s the bacteria that live in it.
Did you know that…?
- Over 700,000 people die each year worldwide from infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria, according to the WHO.
- By 2050, that number could reach 10 million a year if we don’t act now.
- In Romania, the use of antibiotics is among the highest in the European Union – often without a prescription and without a doctor’s prescription.
How do bacteria stop responding to infection treatments?
Resistance develops when antibiotics are used incorrectly or excessively.
Here are some concrete examples:
- We take over-the-counter antibiotics “for any pain”.
- Stopping treatment too early, when “we feel better”.
- Reusing antibiotics left over from a previous treatment.
- Using antibiotics prescribed for someone else because “we have the same symptoms”.
How does drug resistance end up putting your health at risk?
- Infections become harder to treat and may require hospitalization.
- It can lead to severe complications, including death.
- Treatment costs are rising, both for the patient and the healthcare system.
- There may be “common” infections that no longer respond to any existing antibiotics.
Most dangerous antibiotic-resistant bacteria
The WHO has identified a list of priority bacteria, including:
- Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA ) – methicillin-resistant.
- Klebsiella pneumoniae – responsible for severe urinary tract and lung infections.
- Enterobacteriaceae – resistant to carbapenems, some of the most powerful antibiotics.
What simple steps can help you avoid drug resistance?
✅ Take antibiotics as prescribed by your dentist
At INO Dental, we only prescribe antibiotics when absolutely necessary. Dental infections are not just treated with pills – local treatment is often essential.
✅ Take antibiotics only when necessary
Not every toothache needs an antibiotic. Sometimes a salt water for tooth pus is an effective first step until you get to the dentist.
❌ Do not take antibiotics left over from a previous treatment
Every infection is different. What worked before may be ineffective or even dangerous now.
❌ Don’t take antibiotics prescribed for someone else
Although the symptoms may seem similar, the causes can be completely different. Self-treatment is one of the main causes of resistance.
❌ Don’t allow someone else to use antibiotics prescribed for you
The prescription is personalized. Someone else might develop serious side effects.
Want to avoid antibiotics? Here’s how to prevent infections
As well as avoiding antibiotic overuse, remember:
- Strict oral hygiene.
- Regular visits to the dentist.
- Early treatment before complications arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I treat tooth infection with antibiotics alone?
No. The antibiotic is a temporary aid, which may keep the infection under control in the short term. The actual treatment should be carried out by your dentist, either by drainage, endodontic treatment or even extraction, depending on the case. - How long should I take the antibiotic?
Usually between 5-7 days, depending on your doctor’s instructions. It’s essential to see the treatment through to the end, even if the symptoms disappear sooner. - Which antibiotic is good for a tooth infection?
The right antibiotic depends on the type of infection and the patient’s condition. The most commonly recommended are Amoxicillin with clavulanic acid or Clindamycin (if you are allergic to penicillin), but only your dentist can determine the correct treatment. - What happens if you take antibiotics without anything wrong?
You can develop resistance to antibiotics, risk side effects and unbalance your gut flora, without any real benefit.
Not every pain can be treated with antibiotics!
Antibiotic resistance is not just a medical problem but a global crisis in the making.
At INO Dental, we are confronted on a daily basis with dental infections that have not been properly treated and patients who have taken antibiotics “after Google”.
Dental check-ups are essential and treatments should be personalized.
If you’re dealing with a tooth infection, don’t wait!
Schedule a check-up and let us provide you with the right, safe and effective solution.
You can find us on Calea Floreasca, Nr 76, Sector 1, Bucharest.
📞 [0721 584 935 | 0770 699 370].
Sources and references
- World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antibiotic-resistance
- CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/drugresistance/
- European Center for Disease Prevention and Control: https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/antimicrobial-resistance
