Can penicillin prevent the spread of a tooth infection?

Yes: A tooth infection if left unadressed can cause other problems and lead to abscess formation, bacteria in the blood and even heart valve infections.

Yes it does prevent: Penicillin is the drug of choice for dental related infections. You normally take it for one week without stopping.

Essential but.....: Taking antibiotics to control and prevent the spread of infection is beneficial but will not guarantee the spread of infection. The particular antibiotic needs to be effective against the specific strain of bacteria, the cause of the infection needs to be addressed and the situation needs to be monitored by your dentist. It is essential but only part of the total picture.