Antibiotics and dentistry: a brief review

Abstract

The history of dental disease has involved a variety of treatment modalities. This paper is a historical perspective of the evolution of modern antimicrobial compounds and their applications for dentistry. Many individuals have made tremendous contributions in this field, beginning more than a century ago. The two primary categories of antimicrobial agents are the naturally occurring antibacterial substances (antibiotics) and the compounds of synthetic origin. Agents of fungal origin (penicillins and cephalosporins), bacterial origin, and actinomycetes origin (aminoglycosides) comprise the former group while sulfanilamides, quinolones, and fluoroquinolones are included in the latter. The antibiotic groups of significance for dentistry are the penicillins, cephalosporins, and the aminoglycosides, including erythromycin. Due to its efficacy, low cost, and ease of administration penicillin has been the antibiotic of choice for many, if not most odontogenic infections. The agents of synthetic origin have some therapeutic value for dentistry. They are compromised by high cost, lack of effectiveness, or host toxicity.