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Review
. 2023 Jun 1;20(11):6025.
doi: 10.3390/ijerph20116025.

Antibiotics in Dentistry: A Narrative Review of the Evidence beyond the Myth

Maria Contaldo  1 , Francesco D'Ambrosio  2 , Giuseppe A Ferraro  1 , Dario Di Stasio  1 , Maria Pia Di Palo  2 , Rosario Serpico  1 , Michele Simeone  3
Affiliations
Review

Antibiotics in Dentistry: A Narrative Review of the Evidence beyond the Myth

Maria Contaldo et al. Int J Environ Res Public Health. .

Abstract

Antibiotics have undoubtedly revolutionized medicine and the health and survival of patients with life-threatening infections, being nonetheless free from potential adverse effects, and the risk of intestinal dysbiosis, antimicrobial resistance, and the resulting consequences for the patient's health and the public purse. The present study narratively reviewed the epidemiological data on worldwide antibiotic consumption and administration in dental practice, patients' adherence to prescriptions, the antimicrobial resistance phenomenon in dentistry, and the evidence supporting and recommending appropriate antibiotic use in dental care. Eligible systematic reviews and original studies in humans published in the English language from January 2000 to 26 January 2023 were considered. A total of 78 studies, 47 on the epidemiology of antibiotic use and prescription in dentistry, 6 on antibiotic therapy in dentistry, 12 on antibiotic prophylaxis in dentistry, 0 on adherence of dental patients to antibiotic prescription, and 13 on antimicrobial resistance in dentistry, were presently considered. Retrieved evidence revealed that antibiotics are frequently overused and misused in dental practice, dental patients frequently do not adhere to prescriptions, and antimicrobial resistance in dentistry is a still rising phenomenon also secondary to improper oral antiseptics use. The present findings highlighted the need to establish more evidence-based and accurate antibiotic prescriptions to sensitize dentists and dental patients to minimize and rationalize the use of antibiotics only when it is indicated and necessary, improve patients' adherence, and enhance knowledge and awareness of the antimicrobial resistance in dentistry.

Keywords: antibiotic; antibiotics; antimicrobial stewardship; dental health services; dentistry; dentists; drug resistance.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
PRISMA 2020 flow diagram for identification of studies via databases.
Figure 2
Figure 2
The success of antibiotic therapy requires a correct preliminary diagnosis of the bacterial infection, when possible, supported by microbiological assessments to identify the species and strain involved. Then, the more appropriate antibiotic must be chosen based on the support of an antibiogram, when feasible, or the current edge. Lastly, the posology must consider the shorter time and the appropriate dosage for each case.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Coordinated interventions proposed to control antimicrobial resistance.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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