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This contribution gives an overview of the use, therapeutic effects and side effects of the antibiotic substance Metronidazole. Metronidazole is effective in the treatment support of paradontitis, microbial-caused halitosis, perioral skin infections and odontogenic hard or soft tissue abscess formations related to anaerobic bacterial infections. Due to its anti- parasitic effect, Metronidazole is also effective in the treatment of protozoa. In adults and children from 12 years on, 200 mg Metronidazole to a maximum of 2000 mg Metronidazole per day can be administered. In children below 12 years of age, an antibiotic dose of Metronidazole between 20 to 30 mg per kilogram body weight is advised.

The use of local anesthetics is known to be safe and efficient in surgical and dental treatments. Local anesthetics are essential in dentistry for appropriate pain control as they inhibit nociception generated during surgical and dental procedures. However, among other precautions, attention has to be paid to the individual maximum dose of the local anesthetics that is administered. This is especially important for children who are, due to their low body weight, more prone to adverse events following substance overdose. Therefore, this contribution gives advice for general dentists on the accurate use and maximum dose of local anesthetics in children.