You have a dental appointment coming up and your dentist mentioned you need to take antibiotics before the treatment. That sounds like extra hassle, and maybe you have also heard conflicting advice about whether they are really necessary.

Here is a straightforward explanation of when antibiotics before dental treatment are genuinely needed and when they are not.

Some people have medical conditions that make them vulnerable to serious infections from bacteria that enter the bloodstream during certain dental procedures. For these patients, taking a preventive dose of antibiotics reduces the risk of that happening.

The most common example is people with certain heart conditions, such as a heart murmur or artificial heart valve. Another is people with joint replacements that are less than a year old, or those with specific immune system issues.

For most routine dental treatments, including fillings, cleanings, crowns, and root canals, antibiotics are not routinely prescribed just because you are having dental work.

NICE guidelines in the UK actually advise against giving antibiotics as a preventive measure for most patients. This is because the risks of taking antibiotics, such as side effects and antibiotic resistance, generally outweigh the benefits for routine procedures.

Your dentist reviews your medical history before recommending antibiotics. They will consider the type of dental procedure you are having, your specific medical conditions, and current guidelines from health authorities.

Never stop taking prescribed antibiotics early or skip a dose unless your doctor or dentist tells you to. And always let your dentist know about any changes to your health or medications before your appointment.

If your dentist has recommended antibiotics before your treatment and you have concerns, ask them to explain why. They should be happy to clarify the reason based on your individual circumstances.

If you have a medical condition that you think might affect your dental treatment, mention it at your next appointment so your dentist can assess whether any special precautions are needed.

Have questions about whether antibiotics are right for you before your dental treatment? Your dentist can give you personalised advice based on your health history.