Many people call us hoping for antibiotics to settle a sore tooth. Dentists can prescribe them, but they are not always the right answer. Here is when antibiotics help, when they do not and what actually fixes the problem.
Key points
- Yes, dentists in Australia can prescribe medicines related to dental care, including antibiotics.
- Antibiotics do not fix most toothaches; the cause, such as decay or an abscess, needs treatment.
- They are mainly used when infection is spreading or you are unwell.
- Facial swelling with fever or trouble swallowing or breathing needs urgent care.
Can dentists prescribe medication?
Yes. Dentists in Australia can prescribe medicines related to dental treatment, including antibiotics, some pain relief and antifungal or antiviral medicines for mouth conditions. Prescriptions are written after an examination, so we can be sure the medicine is appropriate for you.
Why antibiotics rarely fix a toothache
Most tooth pain comes from decay reaching the nerve, a cracked tooth or an abscess. Antibiotics cannot reach bacteria inside a tooth whose nerve has died, so the pain often returns once the course ends. Australian Therapeutic Guidelines advise that dental treatment to remove the source of infection is the main treatment, with antibiotics reserved for specific situations. Using them when they are not needed also adds to antibiotic resistance.
When antibiotics may be needed
- Infection spreading into the face or neck.
- Fever or feeling generally unwell with a dental infection.
- Some infections around a partly erupted wisdom tooth.
- Certain medical conditions where your doctor advises antibiotic cover.
What fixes the problem
Depending on the cause, treatment may be a filling, root canal treatment to save the tooth, or a tooth extraction. If you are in pain, our emergency dental appointments aim to see you as soon as possible.
When to seek urgent help
Go to an emergency department or call 000 if you have facial swelling with difficulty breathing or swallowing, or swelling spreading to the eye or neck. For more on dental infections, see Healthdirect.
Pain relief while you wait for treatment
Over-the-counter pain relief, taken exactly as directed on the pack, can help until you are seen. Check with a pharmacist if you take other medicines or have medical conditions. Never place aspirin directly on the gum, as it can burn the tissue. A cold compress on the cheek may ease swelling.
Common questions
Can I get antibiotics without being seen?
We need to examine you first. A phone call alone cannot tell us whether antibiotics are needed or whether the tooth needs treatment instead.
Why did my toothache come back after antibiotics?
Antibiotics can calm the spread of infection for a while, but the source, such as decay or an infected nerve, is still there. Until the tooth is treated, the pain often returns.
Do I need antibiotics before dental treatment?
Most people do not. A small number of people with certain heart conditions or medical histories may need them before some procedures. Tell us about your health and medicines, and we will check with your doctor if needed.
Reviewed by the Glenmore Park Dental Services clinical team, October 2026. This article is general information, not personal dental advice.
To book, call Glenmore Park Dental Services on (02) 4733 1197 or request an appointment. We are at Shop 17b, 11 Town Terrace, Glenmore Park, and open Monday to Saturday.