Antibiotics and Dental Infections - What You Should Know

At EasyCare Family Dental, we often meet patients who think antibiotics are a quick solution for toothache. It’s understandable - pain and swelling can be distressing - but antibiotics are not a stand-alone cure for most dental infections. The Therapeutic Guidelines: Oral and Dental (Version 3) explain that antibiotics are useful only in specific circumstances. Here’s what you should know to protect your health and ease your mind.

When (and when not) antibiotics are needed

Dental infections usually start inside the tooth or gums. The most reliable way to stop them is to remove the source of infection, usually by draining the area, performing root-canal therapy or extracting the affected tooth. Antibiotics are prescribed only when:

• The infection is spreading to nearby tissues (such as the face, jaw or neck).
• You have systemic symptoms, like fever, malaise or swollen glands.
• Immediate dental treatment isn’t possible, and antibiotics are needed temporarily until the source can be treated.

If the infection is localised and treatable, dentists usually focus on direct treatment, not medications alone.

Why caution with antibiotics matters

Over-prescribing antibiotics can do more harm than good. Unnecessary use may:

• Contribute to antibiotic resistance, making future infections harder to treat.
• Cause side effects such as stomach upset, diarrhoea and allergic reactions.
• Create a false sense of security that delays proper dental care.

Our priority is to give you the safest and most effective care - not just temporary relief.

Visit us - you’re not alone in this

If you’re experiencing tooth pain, swelling or fever, don’t wait for it to worsen - early care leads to better outcomes.

FAQs about antibiotics and dental infections

1. Can antibiotics cure a toothache?
No. Antibiotics cannot cure toothache on their own. The underlying cause must be treated by a dentist.

2. Why doesn’t the dentist prescribe antibiotics immediately?
Because antibiotics do not remove the source of the problem, and unnecessary use can cause resistance and side effects.

3. When are antibiotics used in dental care?
When infection spreads beyond the tooth or systemic symptoms such as fever are present, or temporarily if urgent care isn’t available.

4. What happens if I take antibiotics without dental treatment?
The infection may return quickly - often more aggressively.

5. Are antibiotics safe?
When used correctly, they are generally safe, but may cause side effects or allergic reactions.