Is cephalexin an effective medication for teeth?

Good for infections: Cephalexin is a wonderful medication for moderate to severe oral bacterial infections. However, overuse can lead to some very severe intestinal problems. Because of the possibility of side effects, there are other medications that are usually prescribed first.

Yes: Bactericidal for oral infections.

Depends: Cephalexin is an antibiotic used to treat infections. For most dental infections, penicillin would be the antibiotic of choice if you are not allergic to it.

Effective, but...: There are other antibiotics that are a better choice. Please do not self-medicate if you have some left-over pills from a previous prescription. Know also that antibiotics will control, not cure, teeth or gum infections for only as long as you take it. For a cure specific dental treatment must be administered. Please see your Dentist for appropriate care.

Which antibiotic?: Every situation is different and the specific antibiotic to take depends upon your medical and dental history, the extent of the infection, etc. The doctor who is treating you is the best one to determine specific antibiotic, dosage and regiment. Consult with him/her and please never self-medicate.