Antibiotic use in dentistry

Most toothaches are the result of inflammation, not infection. Despite this, antibiotics are still commonly prescribed, contributing to the growing rise of antimicrobial resistance—one of the top ten global public health threats. Antimicrobials include antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitics.

Choosing Wisely Canada’s new toolkit, Taking the Bite Out of Tooth Pain, provides evidence-informed guidance for dentists and primary care providers on managing tooth pain without antibiotics.

Resources include:

• Antibiotic guidelines and standardized approach to managing tooth pain in adults
• Tooth pain prescription
• Office poster / screensaver “Sorry, but antibiotics won’t cure most toothaches”
• FAQs for patients
• FAQs for Health Care Providers

For more information on antimicrobial stewardship and a walkthrough of the toolkit, visit the Antibiotics use in dentistry webpage to watch Dr. Susan Sutherland's RCDSO Connect presentation titled Moving the needle on dental antibiotic overuse – a sustainable Canadian antimicrobial stewardship approach.

By downloading the toolkit and using its resources in your practice, you are eligible to earn up to five continuing education points in Category 2 – one point for each element that you have implemented. Learn more here.