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?

A few years ago my MIL ignored a gum infection. She developed sepsis, was put into an induced coma for 12 days and we were told to prepare for the worst - thankfully she pulled through but it was a very scary time. Please take the antibiotics!

Refusing to take medicine and ending up in ITU as a result will mean sucking up NHS resources that are avoidable and costing ££££.
STOP hanging out on public forums, go and take your dentist’s advice and take the medicine and go to bed.

Have taken it several times for tooth problems and it was fine. No problems just blessed relief. Just don't drink alcohol. I can't have penecillin either. Not to scare you and its rare but dental infections can track elsewhere and cause brain infections and heart problems. Seriously. I was a rehab clinician and these were actual people who I met and treated for their post illness issues.

Take the metronidazole 30 minutes after eating

I'm going to ask again since no-one answered previously - all the people getting gum problems over years from wisdom teeth, why are you not getting them removed rather than suffering infection after infection?

Or is that just normal for UK dentistry now?

I would just take it or you could end up with a worse infection with a lot of pain you'll find difficult to control. I'd advise taking a good probiotic for at least 6 months as it can really deplete the good gut bacteria.

Antiseptic cleans a wound, but doesn’t fight an existing infection.

Salt water, that will clean a surface wound, help prevent infection.

Salt water will not cure an infection. Your immune system might …. But salt water will only clean the surface, not infection in the tissue that salt cannot penetrate.

Antibiotics travel thru blood & damage the bacteria, keep it from replicating and spreading. It will be fastest and most effective way to clear infection

Aw OP please start taking them. I would never leave a mouth infection to get worse. I totally understand trying to do things naturally but sometimes we need the drugs! Also you mentioned clinell wipes. I just so happen to have a pack next to me from a previous sick bug that went round the house. I have the spray too. It's the only thing that can clean off norovirus and other nasties 😂

I've taken metronidazole twice, been absolutely fine each time. Just make sure to take probiotics with it, as it is a bit hard core on the gut

Perhaps they can't afford it, particularly if surgery is required rather than a simple extraction.

I chose to have mine removed, but I was lucky enough to have an NHS dentist at the time. Gone now. 8 year waiting list.

I have this a lot. A few times I’ve needed dental antibiotics because I was in excruciating pain.
I’ve also salt-water-gargled my way through 90% of the times too. And gently brushing the airer with a toothbrush under running warm water to clean out any food trapped under there that could be causing an infection.

I was sent to a dental hospital and after the X-rays they told me one was so close to a nerve that if they “nicked it” while removing them, I’d have facial paralysis for life. He followed that up with “but it depends how much of a risk taker you are”. I said “not very when it comes to paralysis”.
Since then I’ve just dealt with them on my own.

Have recently finished a course of metronidazole and amoxillin after having a tooth implant. I did have some bloating and wind but that was all.

I had this happen last year, left it a little thinking I could sort it an it would recover.. it got worse got in the dentist and given antibiotics at this point it had started hurting an took the whole course to stop x

I've had a few dental infections (few too many) from impacted wisdom teeth, to needing root canals, etc. I've usually been given penicillin or Amoxocillin. Within 24-36 hours I'm feeling better. They also usually won't do anything further on the tooth until the infection is gone as it can make things worse trying to pull an infected tooth, etc., without something in place to keep it from spreading. I'd take the antibiotics and I'm one who will try lots of options before taking them. Tooth pain is horrible.

Why would you go to a dentist and ignore their advice?

Or alternatively, how about some snake oil?

I have tightly packed teeth and impacted wisdom teeth. I really recommend flossing daily and investing in an electric toothbrush once you've cleared the infection. I also don't rinse after brushing and leave the toothpaste to do its work. Corsodyl mouthwash as soon as I get any hint of soreness. I used to get regular infections but this routine means my gums are now 0 on the dentist's test for bleeding and no longer get infections. Obviously clear the infection first, but this prevents any future problems.

Just take the tablets. You will only be sick if you're drinking alcohol as it reacts with the chemical.

However, if you let the infection spread you're likely fo be sick because you're poorly

Don't be daft, take the Abs you've been given before it gets worse! Do not drink alcohol for 12 hours before and 24 hours after the course though or you will be ill. I'm a nurse so I know this. If you have enough food in your stomach you will feel fine.

Take the meds! Don’t drink alcohol and you’ll be fine.

Like you, I am allergic to penicillin, phobic about side effects and my experiences with erythromycin have not been fun. I've taken metronidazole a few times and have had no side effects at all. I actually feel relief when I'm prescribed it as I know it's one that will be totally fine. So hopefully the same for you!

nNot sure if you have given into common sense yet, so I’ll just ass my tuppence worth. Take the antibiotics. Eat live yoghurt / drink those little Yakult pots each day. I gather bananas are good for replenishing gut bacteria too.

*Not and add. Must proof read!

could you track down medicinal honey or tea tree oil and try that first? my baby had an infected belly button but i didn't want to give him antibiotics. I gave him tea tree oil and it worked immediately.