Toothache or swelling in the mouth can lead patients to consider the use of antibiotics as one of the first options. However, the scope of antibiotic use in dentistry varies depending on the type and spread of infection, as well as the patient's general health status. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that in adults with a healthy immune system, priority should be given to appropriate dental treatment in most cases of pain and intraoral swelling originating from the pulp and around the tooth root. The use of antibiotics is planned by a dentist after evaluation in specific clinical situations.

The primary approach in tooth-borne infections is to identify the source of the problem and apply treatment directly directed at this source. Procedures such as root canal treatment, drainage, or tooth extraction when necessary are among the methods aimed at eliminating the focus of infection. Therefore, the occurrence of only pain or local swelling does not always mean that antibiotics should be initiated. The ADA’s clinical guideline emphasises that dental treatment is a priority over antibiotics in many pulpal and periapical conditions.

Antibiotics can become part of the treatment plan in cases where the infection shows systemic symptoms or the risk of spread is evaluated. This decision requires the joint evaluation of many factors such as fever, general condition, spread of the infection, the patient's immune system, and existing health conditions. Therefore, the choice of antibiotic, dosage, and duration of use should be determined by the dentist as a result of an individual assessment.

Correct antibiotic use is important for public health as well as individual treatment. Unnecessary or inappropriate use of antibiotics can contribute to bacteria developing resistance to drugs over time. Antimicrobial resistance is among the major health problems that make the treatment of infections difficult. Therefore, antibiotic stewardship in dentistry is based on administering treatment to the right patient, for the right reason, and for the appropriate duration. The CDC also draws attention to evidence-based prescribing and antibiotic stewardship in its resources prepared for dentists.

Re-using an antibiotic that patients have previously used on their own decision when a similar pain occurs can also complicate the correct treatment process. Since similar symptoms can stem from different causes, the source of the problem must first be determined through clinical examination and necessary imaging methods. Thus, the treatment to be applied can be planned for the underlying problem in the mouth, rather than temporarily suppressing the symptoms.

In the BAU Dental Campus approach, it is also important to handle the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up processes of oral and dental health in line with scientific data. The use of antibiotics is also planned as part of this framework, in accordance with clinical necessity and physician evaluation. When toothache or swelling occurs, the most accurate step is to consult a dentist to determine the source of the problem and start the appropriate treatment process, instead of resorting to random drug use.