West of Scotland Formulary
NHS Scotland

Dental infections

The regional formulary will not cover all eventualities for infections medicines choices. As with any condition; patient specific factors and sensitivities need to be considered. Please consider this regional formulary advice alongside any relevant local Board guidelines.

For dental infections refer to the Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP) Drug Prescribing for Dentistry guidance.

SDCEP: Drug Prescribing for Dentistry

Treatment of dental abscess

Immediate drainage.

Phenoxymethylpenicillin
Phenoxymethylpenicillin 250mg tablets

500mg every 6 hours for 5 days.

If penicillin allergic.

Metronidazole
Metronidazole 400mg tablets

400mg three times a day for 5 days.

Prescribing Notes:

  • Antibiotics are only required if immediate drainage is not achieved with local measure or in case of spreading infection (swelling, cellulitis, lymph node involvement) or systemic involvement (fever, malaise).

History Notes

30/07/2026

Regional formulary chapter launched.

Treatment of acute necrotising ulcerative gingivitis (Vincent’s infection)
Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.2% mouthwash

Thoroughly rinse the mouth for about one minute with 10ml twice daily. Spit out after use.

History Notes

30/07/2026

Regional formulary chapter launched.