Dental Visits and antibiotics

Ever wonder why many dentists do not just automatically prescribe an antibiotic if you have an infected tooth?

Dentists are mandated by the American Dental Association not to prescribe antibiotics or pain medication unless absolutely necessary. In the case of antibiotics, it's to help prevent creating super germs. In the case of pain medication, it's to help battle the misuse of opioids.

Dentists are not to prescribe antibiotics unless ".. a patient's condition progresses to showing signs or symptoms of systemic involvement, such as fever or malaise, then dentists should prescribe antibiotics, the guideline advises."