<s>[INST] i thought this was about ayurvedic medicine helping a tooth abscess.  Can I treat my tooth abscess with ayurvedic medicine to get rid of the infection instead of antibiotics.  If not, then what kind of antibiotic is the least harmful to the gut flora YYYY@YYYY [/INST] Hello, you need to treat the source of the infection. When the source of the infection or abscess is a tooth, it can be treated with a root canal or removal. If the tooth has a gum infection or bone loss causing a periodontal abscess, it can be evaluated by a dentist for possible periodontal treatment or removal. Antibiotics are used to control the spread of the active infection, not a cure for a tooth abscess. You can use Anti-inflammatory reducing means to help decrease symptoms, but you can not ignore the source. I prescribe the antibiotic amoxicillin as my first choice. Taking Acidophilus or probiotics help reduce gastric disturbances. Yogurt can be beneficial as well. Not all tooth abscesses require taking an antibiotic. Inquire if your abscess needs antibiotic or can be treated in a timely manner without the need of antibiotics. Thank you for your inquiry. I hope that you can complete treatment with your dentist soon. </s>