Contemporary Perspectives in Green Antibiotic Therapy in Dentistry
by Lakshman P. Samaranayake
DSc, DDS, FRCPath, FDS RCS, FRACDS, FCDSHK
Professor Emeritus (Microbiomics)
Immediate Past Dean of Dentistry
Abstract
We are running out of good antimicrobials! This due to the emergence of an armada
of drug resistant microbes. This global public health challenge, has been accelerated
by the overuse of antibiotics worldwide both by clinicians as a well as the veterinary
industry. Increased antimicrobial resistance is the cause of severe infections,
complications, longer hospital stays and increased mortality. It has been estimated
that dental practitioners issue some 10-15 per cent of antibiotic prescriptions
depending on the jurisdiction in question.
On the other hand, antibiotic prophylactic is another area that contributes to antibiotic
abuse. There are a number of patients related and clinician related factors for the
abuse of antibiotics. Multifaceted interventions to reduce overuse of antibiotics have
been proposed such as enforcement of the policy of prohibiting the over-the-counter
(OTC) sale of antibiotics, the antimicrobial stewardship programmes, and the active
participation of clinicians. In this context dentists have a clear role to play in
preventing antibiotic abuse and contributing to this safe use of antibiotic programme. This presentation will highlight the problem of antibiotic abuse, and the
latest recommendation for antibiotic prophylaxis for various dental interventions and
how one could contribute to an antibiotic stewardship program.