If a patient's condition progresses to systemic involvement, showing signs of fever or general malaise, dentists should prescribe antibiotics. Dentists prescribe antibiotics for infection treatment and prevention, as most dental and periodontal diseases are best managed through surgical intervention and oral hygiene measures. However, the literature provides evidence of inadequate prescribing practices by dentists, due to a range of factors ranging from inadequate knowledge to social factors. Here we review studies that investigated the pattern of antibiotic use by dentists around the world.
The main flaws in antibiotic prescription knowledge are described. The main conclusion is that, unfortunately, dentists' prescribing practices are inadequate and this is manifested by excessive prescribing. Study authors found that antibiotics prescribed to prevent infection during dental procedures weren't needed 81% of the time. This is important because 10% of all antibiotic prescriptions come from dentists, researchers said.
Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat bacterial infections. However, when it comes to toothaches, prescribing antibiotics should be avoided, unless absolutely necessary. By understanding antibiotics, you can confidently talk to your dentist about what is causing your pain and how to fix it. Antibiotics may be used in cases of abscess or periodontal disease (gum infection).
It is usually a necessary part of procedures such as tooth extraction, root canal therapy, or deep cleaning of the gums. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends prophylactic antibiotics before treatment to prevent typical bacteria in the mouth from creating infections. But when they're prescribed, it's for the specific reason of destroying a bacterial infection and helping oral health get back in shape. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), 42% of Americans want to visit their dentist more often.
To remove any existing strands and prevent them from multiplying, a dentist may administer a fast-acting antibiotic before proceeding with any other type of care. If you have a dental infection, see a dentist as soon as possible to prevent the infection from spreading. Dentists' prescribing practices can be improved by increasing knowledge among dentists of recommended guidelines. Nearly half or more of dentists investigated in England, Kuwait, and Turkey would prescribe dry socket.
The study's lead author says the results indicate that dentists should be included in antibiotic delivery efforts. Most oral diseases presented to the dentist are mainly inflammatory conditions that are associated with pain. In conclusion, it is important for dentists to understand the appropriate use of antibiotics and for the general public to be informed about the importance of restricting the use of antibiotics only to cases of serious infection. This will help reduce the increasing incidence of antibiotic resistance and other side effects of antibiotic abuse.
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