Is it true that in the first 48 hours after starting antibiotics for a tooth infection the sweeling can get worse? until the meds have had there time to work?

Abcess: The antibiotics don't make the swelling worse and a periapical access is the pathological process causing the swelling. An oral surgeon may be consulted if symptoms worsen.

Yes: It often does take a couple of days for antibiotics to control your symptoms. Be vigilant during that time and keep your doctor aware of how you are doing

It is true: If you rely on antibiotics or other not a definitive treatment, the infection will come back. Dentist will treat a tooth abscess by treating the cause and getting rid of the infection. Do not delay. See your dentist ASAP. Good luck.

You are correct: Many antibiotics kill the cells as they divide, and since they don't all divide at the same time, it takes a while at times to see a difference in your symptoms. The source needs to also be eradicated.

A day or two...: It takes a day or two for the antibiotics to lessen the swelling most of the time, particularly if the infection was not drained by a dentist. Things to look out for that may need immediate attention would be large swelling, (especially near the eye or below the jawline), Difficulty speaking or swallowing, or a high fever. These are rare occurrences but should not be ignored.

Yes, but...: The antibiotics need time to travel throughout you body and get to the area where the infection is. This may take 24-48 hours. However, sometimes an increase in dosage or change of antibiotics is required IN ADDITION to treating the CAUSE of the infection. Therefore one cannot rely solely on antibiotics to control the infection and your doctor should be informed if the swelling gets worse.

Yes, but: Usually you will see an improvement by the next day. If not, contact the dentist. Sometimes, abscess exists which has to be drained before the antibiotics can take effect. Sometimes the bacteria causing the infection are resistant to the antibiotic and another drug must be prescribed. Sometimes the only thing that will help is extracting the offending tooth. See oral surgeon for unresolved problem

Tooth infection: What was the cause of the swelling? Is the tooth infected-are you waiting to get a root canal? Who placed you on antibiotics? Taking antibiotics for swelling will only mask the problem--perhaps the swelling will go down or if it is the wrong type of antibiotic the bacteria will not be affected at all. Seek dental treatment to determine the cause of the swelling and the best treatment option

Antibiotics: Yes, that is true. It takes several doses of an antibiotic before it start to take effect. Therefore, the swelling can continue of worsen even after you start to take the antibiotics. Also just because the swelling goes down does not mean the infection gone. So make sure you finish all of the prescription to make sure the infection does not come back.

Takes time: It usualy takes about 24 hours for antibiotics to start working on an infection. I supposed that it is possible for the infection to worsen prior to the medication doing its thing.

Healing period: It has been my experience providing dental care for the last 40 years that it takes 24 to 48 hours for the antibiotics to go through the digestive system to reach the source of the infection. You may or may not feel better during this time but it is very important to continue taking the antibiotic as prescribed completely. During this time, you may not feel better and may even feel worse.

Antibiotics help: Antibiotics help with swelling. In case it is getting worse, Antibiotic should be changed. In any case tooth should be treated by a dentist

Full effect in 48-72: Usually within 48 hours there is improvement.

See below: See your dentist for a definitive diagnosis, need to treat the tooth or teeth in question. Possible drainage may be needed in addition to antibiotic therapy.

True: Some people experience immediate response. Others take a few days. Some people need a change in antibiotic. Some require drainage. All will require root canal or extraction in addition to antibiotics.