Originally published in 2019.
Republished in 2022 following global agreement validation.
The 2022 version reflects methodological standardisation within the IAPD Consensus & Foundational Articles framework and formal evaluation of international agreement. No substantive changes were made to the clinical recommendations.
Antibiotic therapy plays an important but limited role in the management of oral infections in children. While antibiotics may be necessary in certain clinical situations, most dental infections can be effectively managed through local dental treatment and elimination of the infection source.
Appropriate antibiotic stewardship is essential to minimise the development of antimicrobial resistance and to ensure that antibiotics remain effective for treating serious infections.
Core principles include:
Antibiotic therapy should therefore be used selectively and always as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Most odontogenic infections in children should be managed primarily through appropriate dental treatment, including removal of the infection source.
Systemic antibiotics are indicated when there are signs of spreading infection, systemic involvement, or when local management alone is insufficient.
Antibiotics may also be required for children with certain medical conditions that increase the risk of complications from infection.
(Evidence-based recommendations are not subject to global agreement scoring.)
(Evaluated for Global Agreement in 2022)
Antibiotics should not be prescribed as a substitute for appropriate dental treatment when local intervention can effectively manage the infection.
Dental professionals should prescribe antibiotics responsibly and only when there is clear clinical indication.
Caregivers should receive clear instructions regarding dosage, duration, and adherence to prescribed antibiotic therapy.
Efforts should be made to support antimicrobial stewardship and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use in paediatric dentistry.
To support clinical implementation and knowledge translation, IAPD has developed complementary educational materials.
🎙 IAPD Podcast Series
Selected episodes of the IAPD Podcast Series explore infection management, clinical decision-making, and responsible antibiotic use in paediatric dentistry.
▶ Listen to the Podcast
🎥 IAPD Webinar
Relevant webinars address the management of dental infections and principles of antibiotic stewardship in paediatric dental care.
▶ Watch the Webinar Recording
International Association of Paediatric Dentistry (IAPD).
IAPD Foundational Articles and Recommendations on the Use of Antibiotic Therapy in Paediatric Dentistry.
Originally published 2019. Global Agreement Validation 2022.
