Do I Need Antibiotics for a Toothache?

Most toothaches are not caused by infection. Even when the cause is an abscess near the root of the tooth, the best treatment is drainage of the abscess (pus) by your dentist. This should be done as soon as possible to prevent the spread of the infection to other parts of the head and neck.

Why You Probably Don’t Need Antibiotics for a Toothache

Antibiotics are generally not needed if the pus is drained. In fact, scientific studies have shown that antibiotics are unnecessary for treating simple tooth abscesses.

NOTE: Antibiotics are NOT recommended to settle the infection before draining the abscess – drainage as soon as possible is the therapy of choice.