Table 1.

Inclusion criteria

	Criterion
1	RCTs, non-randomized trials
2	Human participants (adults and children) undergoing outpatient treatments for non-periodontal dental infections in general dental practices
3	Studies that reported comparisons of metronidazole alone or plus β-lactams with β-lactams only
4	Clearly defined clinical parameters according to which diagnosis and resolution of infection is made—e.g. clinician assessment of swelling and appearance of soft tissues, trismus and fever. Patient reported pain intensity evaluated by any validated measure e.g. numeric rating scale/visual analogue scale (VAS)
5	Studies that reported systemic antibiotics prescribed as adjuvant to surgical treatment
6	Studies that reported systemic antibiotics prescribed without surgical treatment