![Antibiotics are the first line of treatment for a mouth infection. The most common medicines used for a mouth infection include:](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/which-medicine-is-best-for-mouth-infection.jpg?output-quality=75)
- Amoxicillin (drug of choice for mouth infection)
- Azithromycin
- Cefoxitin
- Metronidazole
- Penicillin
Some other therapies for mouth infection include:
- Topical antifungals are given for 2 weeks, which are usually effective for uncomplicated oral candidiasis or thrush.
- Systemic antifungals may be given to patients who are intolerant to topical antifungals or immunocompromised.
- Antiviral therapy should be given to patients with oral lesions of a viral origin.
- Over the counter (OTC) topical anesthetics.
Some of the common mouthwash used to prevent the symptoms of mouth infection includes:
What are some of the common oral infections?
There are many types of oral infections. However, some of the most common oral infections commonly seen among various populations include:
- Canker sores: It is characterized by small white or grey sores with a red border found inside the mouth or at the base of the gum. These sores are usually noncontagious. The exact cause of canker sores is unknown. However, experts believe that it is an immune system problem and bacteria or viruses may be involved.
- Cold sores: These are fluid-filled blisters that erupt around the lips. Cold sores are caused by herpes simplex virus type I and are contagious.
- Oral candidiasis: It is a localized fungal infection caused by the yeast, Candida albicans. It is of three types:
- Pseudomembranous/Thrush: This type is characterized by white plaques inside the mouth.
- Erythematous: A roughly symmetric red lesion in the tongue along with a burning sensation.
- Perleche or angular cheilitis: It involves inflammation and small cracks in one or both corners of the mouth.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/quiz/human-body/human-body-s1.jpg)
QUESTION
What percentage of the human body is water? See AnswerHow to achieve oral hygiene?
Maintaining oral hygiene is essential to prevent mouth infection. Some of the preventive measures include:
Brushing with fluoride toothpaste twice a day for at least 2 minutes
Cleaning between your teeth or under the gum once a day with floss or an interdental cleaner
Cutting down on sugary or starchy drinks and foods right before the bed
Using an antiseptic mouth rinse to help prevent tooth decay
Visiting your dentist frequently for checkups
Regular tongue brushing or scraping
Replacing your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles look worn
Eating a balanced diet
Limiting in-between snacks
Clean your dentures at bedtime
Stay away from hot and spicy food when you have sores
Quitting tobacco
Replacing ill-fitting dentures or bridges
Refraining from the habit of chewing on the inside of the cheek
Drinking enough water
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Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
American Dental Association. Mouth Healthy. https://www.mouthhealthy.org
Laceria E. Top 3 Medications to Treat Mouth Ulcers (Sores). Oral & Vision Health Blog. https://blog.solsticebenefits.com/solstice-member-blog/top-3-medications-to-treat-mouth-ulcers-sores
Top Which medicine is best for mouth infection? Related Articles
cefazolin
Cefazolin is a broad spectrum antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, skin infections, biliary tract infections, bone and joint infections, genital infections, and others. Common side effects of cefazolin include injection site reactions, low blood pressure (hypotension), fainting (syncope), abdominal cramps and pain, loss of appetite (anorexia), diarrhea, gas (flatulence), heartburn, oral candida yeast infection (candidiasis), and others.colistin
Colistin is an antibiotic used to treat acute and chronic bacterial infections from susceptible strains of certain gram-negative bacteria. Colistin is toxic to the kidneys. Discontinue therapy if there are signs of impaired kidney function. Common side effects of colistin include dizziness, numbness and prickling sensation of skin (paresthesia), tingling of extremities and tongue, seizures, slurred speech, vertigo, decreased urine output, and increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and elevated creatinine.Common Medical Abbreviations & Terms
Doctors, pharmacists, and other health-care professionals use abbreviations, acronyms, and other terminology for instructions and information in regard to a patient's health condition, prescription drugs they are to take, or medical procedures that have been ordered. There is no approved this list of common medical abbreviations, acronyms, and terminology used by doctors and other health- care professionals. You can use this list of medical abbreviations and acronyms written by our doctors the next time you can't understand what is on your prescription package, blood test results, or medical procedure orders. Examples include:
- ANED: Alive no evidence of disease. The patient arrived in the ER alive with no evidence of disease.
- ARF: Acute renal (kidney) failure
- cap: Capsule.
- CPAP: Continuous positive airway pressure. A treatment for sleep apnea.
- DJD: Degenerative joint disease. Another term for osteoarthritis.
- DM: Diabetes mellitus. Type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- HA: Headache
- IBD: Inflammatory bowel disease. A name for two disorders of the gastrointestinal (BI) tract, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- JT: Joint
- N/V: Nausea or vomiting.
- p.o.: By mouth. From the Latin terminology per os.
- q.i.d.: Four times daily. As in taking a medicine four times daily.
- RA: Rheumatoid arthritis
- SOB: Shortness of breath.
- T: Temperature. Temperature is recorded as part of the physical examination. It is one of the "vital signs."
Mouth Problems: TMJ, Canker Sores, Painful Gums and More
Sores, painful gums, bad breath -- what's going on in your mouth? Find out with our slideshow of the most common mouth problems. Learn about canker sores, cold sores, oral thrush, TMJ, and oral cancer. See what treatments for bad breath and other dental problems are available from your dentist.