Abstract
Bacterial infections are common in dental and oral clinical practice. It is been estimated that about 10% of total antibiotic prescriptions are related to dental infections. Combination of amoxicillin-clavulanate and plain amoxycillin is the most commonly used drug by dentists across the world. Three general considerations were recognized in this literature review—Empirical antibiotic prescription by dentists without a culture test; concomitant prescription of antibiotics with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which may ultimately affect the bioavailability of the former drug; and the increased antimicrobial resistance amongst oral pathogens. Since decades, antibiotics have been prescribed for the treatment of odontogenic infections and non-odontogenic oral infections, and for focal infections and sepsis prophylaxis. Renal failure, liver failure, and pregnancy are situations that require special attention when considering an antibiotic prescription. This review attempted to contribute to the rational use and abuse of antibiotics while focusing on the general characteristics of these drugs.
Highlights
The oral cavity normally houses a complex population of microorganisms
Occurring odontogenic infections are polymicrobial in nature
Almost all of the times, such infections are predisposed by anaerobic bacteria. To treat such infections or prevent their occurrence, antibiotics have been always prescribed by attending dentists. These drugs were typically introduced into the market in the mid-twentieth century, in the early 1900s, in the form of sulfa drugs that were later followed with the discovery of penicillin, tetracyclines, and erythromycin
Summary
Occurring odontogenic infections are polymicrobial in nature. Almost all of the times, such infections are predisposed by anaerobic bacteria. To treat such infections or prevent their occurrence, antibiotics have been always prescribed by attending dentists. These drugs were typically introduced into the market in the mid-twentieth century, in the early 1900s, in the form of sulfa drugs that were later followed with the discovery of penicillin, tetracyclines, and erythromycin. The correct use of antibiotics offers many benefits including the resolution of infections, prevention of the spread of disease and minimization of serious complications of disease
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