Antibiotics for Tooth Infection

21 September 2026

Antibiotics for Tooth Infection: When Are They Needed?

Infection in a tooth can cause discomfort and worry. Patients wonder “do I need antibiotics for tooth infection?” in relation to their symptoms such as swelling, foul taste in the mouth or toothache.

This question has an answer which usually depends on the root cause of the infection and how extensive the infection has become. Antibiotics may be helpful in certain circumstances; however, they may not cure all tooth infections. The best way of treating a tooth infection is to address the issue at the source.

At Pearl Dental Clinic, our dentists will diagnose your symptoms and the tooth in question to see if you require antibiotics. If antibiotics are required, we can prescribe them upon consultation.

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What Are Antibiotics Used For in Dental Infections?

Antibiotics are drugs which are prescribed for bacterial infections. In some cases of dental infection, antibiotics play an important role in controlling the spread of bacteria and minimising the risk of the infection getting worse.

However, it should be known that antibiotics do not address the underlying cause of most dental infections. For instance, if bacteria have got to the inner pulp of a tooth because of decay or damage, taking antibiotics alone will not remove the infection inside the tooth conclusively.

Depending on your situation, one of our dentists can prescribe antibiotics if there are any symptoms indicating that the infection is spreading and causing inflammation. This treatment is usually appropriate if a dental infection has some systemic symptoms associated with it, for example, generally feeling unwell or fever.

Antibiotics should only be taken after prescribed or recommended by a dental professional. The type of antibiotic, dosage and duration are decided based on your symptoms, medical history and the type and severity of infection.

Which Antibiotics Can Be Used for a Tooth Infection?

The antibiotic prescribed for a dental infection depends on your individual assessment. At Pearl Dental Clinic, we have the following antibiotics available to dispense to patients where clinically appropriate:

Amoxicillin 250mg
Amoxicillin 500mg
Metronidazole 200mg
Metronidazole 400mg
Clindamycin 150mg

The choice of antibiotic is made by the dentist after assessing your condition. Not every antibiotic is fine for every patient, and you should never take leftover antibiotics or medication prescribed for someone else.

If you are prescribed antibiotics at Pearl Dental Clinic, the price is £20 per box. Alternatively, we can provide a private prescription (for the above, and other medications if needed) for you to take to your preferred pharmacy.

A dental consultation is required before antibiotics can be prescribed. A consultation with one of our general dentists costs £59, allowing us to examine the problem and determine the most appropriate treatment.

When Are Antibiotics Not Enough?

It is important to understand that antibiotics are not always the answer to a tooth infection.

When an infection has reached the inner pulp of the tooth, antibiotics cannot effectively remove the infected pulp. In these situations, the tooth itself needs treatment.

The most frequent treatment is called root canal treatment. Root canal involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning and sealing the area to prevent future infections. This treatment is aimed at addressing the cause of the infection problem and providing relief and possibly keeping your natural tooth.

At Pearl Dental Clinic, our dentists will be able to conduct a root canal treatment for you. We also have a specialist endodontist who can treat complicated root canals.

This means that if antibiotics are not the right solution for your particular case, we can assess the tooth and discuss the appropriate treatment with you.

What Should You Do If You Think You Have a Tooth Infection?

Do not ignore an infection of your teeth because the pain could simply improve temporarily. Dental infections can also continue to grow underneath. Symptoms may include:

Persistent or severe toothache
Pain when biting or chewing
Swelling around the tooth or gum
A dental abscess or bump on the gum
A bad taste or discharge in the mouth
Sensitivity to hot or cold
Facial or jaw swelling
Fever or feeling generally unwell

If you have significant facial or neck swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, or feel seriously unwell, seek urgent medical attention.

In other cases, having a dental examination is the most effective way for determining if you require antibiotics, root canal, draining, tooth extraction or any other type of dental treatment.

Our dentist will assess your symptoms, examine the affected area and explain your treatment options before prescribing antibiotics where appropriate.

Book Your Consultation Today

If you have any symptoms that could indicate a dental infection, we can help you find out what is causing the problem and what treatment you may need.

Book a consultation with one of our general dentists for £59. If antibiotics are clinically appropriate following your assessment, we can dispense them at £20 per box, including Amoxicillin, Metronidazole or Clindamycin where suitable. We can also provide a private prescription for you to take to your preferred pharmacy.

If your infection requires treatment beyond antibiotics, our team can discuss the appropriate options with you, including root canal treatment.

Call 0208 547 9997 or book your consultation online. We also invite you to read our patient reviews and discover why patients have trusted Pearl Dental Clinic with their dental care since 2007.

Our team is here to assess the problem and guide you towards the right treatment.

Call us today on 020 8547 9997

Whatever you need, our friendly team is looking forward to hearing from you.

Simply get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

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