I can get rid of this infection without antibiotics, right?

[PoisonRain]

I have a gum infection. Not a tooth abscess, just a bit of gum over a partially impacted wisdom tooth that has become irritated then infected.

I've never had a dental infection before - my dentist gave me metronidazole but I don't want to take it. Everyone I've mentioned it to pulls a face and says it makes you feel dreadful. I've been rinsing frequently with warm salty water, using a cold compress and taking paracetamol - it's unpleasant and I don't feel great, but it's bearable (not like a toothache).

If it's no better in 48 hrs I suppose I'll have to woman-up and brave the drugs, but it's not unreasonable to see if I can clear it myself first is it?

I took Metronidazole several times for infection between gum and tooth, and had no problems provided I stayed clear of alcohol. Don't touch a drop of the stuff, as it will make you sick if you do, it used to be prescribed to alcoholics to stop them drinking. In future, Iif you feel a sore gum developing, really get at it with your toothbrush and use corsodyl mouthwash and you might avoid the need for antibiotics. In the end I gave up and had my wisdom teeth removed as it always seemed to get infected after flying. I could only think that the pressure changes were driving bugs into the gum line, but it was wrecking holidays.

I don't think it's helpful telling the OP not to take the antibiotics prescribed. Personally you do you but I wouldn't want another person's life on my conscious by telling him/her not to take antibiotics prescribed by a professional.

Can't you get anti emetics to take in case the metronidazole causes nausea?
I think you should definitely start the antibiotics ASAP though. Won't have been prescribed unless needed and the longer you leave it the more you're risking the infection worsening significantly.

I've had these a lot. Used to take antibiotics but now I seem to be able to clear them.warm salty water is great and will reduce swelling.
I also swish liquid ibuprofen around the sire too and that helps a lot
Electric toothbrush is a must and I avoid hard scratchy foods unless I can brush that area straight after. Crisps, nuts and tangfastics always set me off. Good luck 🤞

I'd take it straight away, the dentist felt you needed it, and leaving it will only risk it getting worse and being harder to treat. I've take it before, I felt a bit sick, but nothing major, and definitely preferable to the raging toothach you risk ending up with.

I’m currently taking metronidazole and haven’t noticed any side effects whatsoever! I have noticed, however, that my infection is clearing up really quickly.
I’ve got a weeks course to take as I’m breastfeeding and my doctor was reluctant to prescribe more, and quite a low dose I think, but I feel completely fine. Hope that reassures you a little bit!

I would never leave a tooth infection. It may go away but they always come back with a vengeance.

Have you tried gargling round the area with Corsodyl mouthwash, the one in the squat dark coloured bottle?
I had gum inflammation following a root canal and dentist recommended this, it really did the trick, though it dyes any plaque present and unappealing brown colour (won't stain un-plaqued teeth though)

I've had this combination last year too for an infected animal bite, no side effects here either.

If they've been prescribed to you I think I'd take them, the infection may be harder to shift if you muck about with DIY remedies for days and it spreads.

The guy who played Lorne in Angel died a few years after a dental infection spread into his blood and then into his heart and gave him permanent heart damage.

You don't want to risk sepsis.

If you're concerned about thrush then get some bio yogurts in, they'll keep it at bay

I know everyone pulls a face when it’s mentioned but I’ve taken metronidazole with no side effects.

Ive also been hospitalised on IV antibiotics (after feeling horrendous) after ignoring a gum abscess that I tried to fix myself (0/10 would not recommend)

Honestly, don’t risk it, mouth abscesses are fucking nasty

Try corsodyl / chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash several times a day held in the area for a minute or two (spit out after), or corsodyl dental gel (the clear gel bought OTC, not the toothpaste) around the inflamed tissue. If it’s not improving after a couple of days then you¡ll need to take the metronidazole. As long as you don't have alcohol and are not pregnant it should be fine.

Take the antibiotics. If the infection takes a hold you’ll be far more likely to feel sick from that than from the antibiotics.

I came on here to suggest warm salty water; as warm as you can sensibly tolerate.

I thought the sickness was with alcohol - it contains an ingredient of Antabuse or similar so if you drink alcohol you vomit.
if you don’t drink it will be fine

That antibiotic can upset your tummy and you absolutely cannot have alcohol with it. However i'd be taking it and do it with food and drink plenty of water. It's not worth the risk of having an infection in your mouth that can go bad very quickly.

This.

I had very painful swollen gum around impacted wisdom tooth and my dentist gave me a prescription for metronidazole and told me to try a few days of salt rinses and only take the antibiotics if things got worse. She emphasised very salty warm water rinses at least 2 hourly (more frequently if possible). I did some reading and added a bit of bicarbonate of soda to the rinse too. After a couple of days the rinses settled things down, would definitely recommend giving it a go, lots of salt and a bit of bicarb - slightly cooled boiled water (I.e. really quite hot). Good luck!

Same for me. At least twice in the last year. I resent having to pay for the dental appointment plus the antibiotics prescription when I know what it is!

I didn't tell her not to take them. She said she wasn't keen. I said "If you don't want to.."

Personaly would probably try to see if it clears up without, but be very vigilant to it getting worse or not improving.

But I'm 42 and have never had antibiotics, my immune system is pretty good.

I would take them if required, I'm not anti- antibiotics. I have just found that luckily most things have cleared up for me

I have had this infection a couple of times. Never had antibiotics as breastfeeding. Ibuprofen works best I find, paracetamol doesn't touch the sides.

I've had metronidazole with no side effects at all - just a wistfulness at attending a big party where I couldn't drink alcohol! But if you don't drink you'll probably be fine.

They are very serious about the no alcohol, not even a sip during and for 48 hrs afterwards. If you stick to that side effects are unlikely although not impossible.

It was for a gum infection and I said to the dentist, I'll just take the metronidazole prescription and only cash it in if it gets worse. NO, he said, you must take the antibiotics, it's too risky no to. So I did, with no side effects (apart from, as I said in my previous post, annoyance at not being able to drink at a big party!)