Antibiotics are a type of medication used to treat bacterial infections. They work by either killing or stopping the growth of bacteria. Dentists are able to prescribe antibiotics to treat a variety of dental infections, such as gum disease, tooth abscesses, and infected root canals.
It is important to take antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your dentist. Taking antibiotics incorrectly can lead to the development of antibiotic resistance, which makes it more difficult to treat bacterial infections in the future. In addition, taking antibiotics unnecessarily can increase your risk of side effects, such as diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.