When Should You Need Antibiotics?

Use of antibiotics for dental infections

Dental infections can be painful and challenging to treat. Knowing when antibiotics are appropriate is essential for effective care and recovery.

What don't antibiotics treat?

Antibiotics are not effective for:

• Viral infections: They do not work for infections caused by viruses.
• Cold sores: These are viral and need different treatment.
• Fungal infections: Antibiotics do not treat fungal causes.
• Toothache on its own: Most toothache is not cured by antibiotics — the cause needs treating.

Your dentist must examine your mouth, identify the cause of pain, and decide whether antibiotics are needed. Learn more about managing dental pain on our emergency dentist page.

When are antibiotics used for tooth infections?

Not every tooth infection needs antibiotics. Usually the source of the infection must be treated — your dentist may drain an abscess, carry out root canal treatment, or remove the infected tooth.

Antibiotics are typically used when:

• The infection is spreading: for example, facial swelling beyond the tooth.
• You are generally unwell: such as a high temperature or swollen glands.
• Your immune system is weakened: making it harder for your body to fight the infection.

Common antibiotics for dental infections

• Penicillins: Amoxicillin or phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) are most commonly prescribed.
• Metronidazole: Used as an alternative, or alongside a penicillin for more severe infections.
• If you're allergic to penicillin: Your dentist may prescribe metronidazole or clarithromycin instead. Always tell your dentist about any allergies and medicines you take.

Spotting sepsis: a serious complication

Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to an infection that happens when your immune system overreacts and damages your body’s own tissues and organs. It is sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning, and it cannot be caught from another person. Its symptoms can be vague — often resembling flu or a chest infection — so early recognition is vital. Learn more about sepsis warning signs.

Call 999 or go to A&E if someone is confused or has slurred speech, blue, pale or blotchy skin, a rash that doesn't fade when you roll a glass over it, or difficulty breathing.

Call 111 if you or someone in your care:

• Feels very unwell or senses something is seriously wrong.
• Has not urinated in a day (adults and older children) or in the last 12 hours (babies and young children).
• Continues vomiting and cannot retain food or liquids (especially for babies and young children).
• Experiences swelling, redness, or pain around a wound.
• Has a very high or low temperature, feels extremely hot or cold, or is shivering.

If you're unsure whether it's sepsis, it's best to call 111 for advice. They can arrange guidance from a nurse or doctor, or dispatch an ambulance if needed.

For urgent care or to discuss your dental infection, book an appointment with us today.

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This guide explains when antibiotics are needed for dental infections, what they cannot treat, and how to recognise serious complications like sepsis. For personalised advice or urgent treatment, don't hesitate to contact us on 01922 624900.