The dentist in the course of everyday practice is frequently called upon to treat a variety of infections which may be caused by viruses, bacteria, and sometimes fungi. The ability to treat these infections successfully has been totally revolutionizes since the discovery and subsequent clinical application of certain chemical substances which are produced by the microorganisms and has the ability to suppress or actually kill other microorganisms, these chemical substances are known as antibiotics. Approximately 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions are linked with dental infections and there’s a widespread abuse of antibiotics in medical and dental field. The inappropriate use of antibiotics leads to increased treatment costs, increased risk of adverse events associated to the antibiotic used and most significantly development and propagation of antimicrobial resistance. The definitive indications to be used of antibiotics in dentistry are limited and specific. The purpose of this review article is to discuss about the legitimate use of antibiotics in dental practice for control of oral infection, antibiotic prophylaxis in case of systemic conditions and the overuse and misuse of antibiotics.