Antimicrobial prescribing guidance must for dental professionals, recommends study
Comprehensive antimicrobial prescribing guidance should be established for dental professionals, suggests a study published in the International Journal of Dentistry.
Dental caries, pulpal necrosis, trauma, and periodontal diseases can result in dental infections which could have severe consequences that affect both soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. Dental infections are commonly present with symptoms of pain, fever, and swelling. Surgical and endodontic treatments are the early management of infected teeth, followed by antibiotic therapy. Some alternative methods also exist for treating infection such as low-level laser therapy and photodynamic therapy. To reduce the complications of unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions especially bacterial resistance, comprehensive guidelines should be established.
A group of researchers from Iran conducted a literature review to summarize the indications of antibiotic therapy in dentistry and discuss the common types of antibiotics that are routinely used in dental practice based on pharmacologic classes. Moreover, types of antibiotics that are considered safe during pregnancy and childhood are also reviewed.
The researchers found that:
· Only about 12% of dentists adequately and correctly prescribe antibiotics, which shows the importance of comprehensive guidelines.
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