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

Maria Contaldo (), Francesco D’Ambrosio (), Giuseppe A. Ferraro, Dario Di Stasio, Maria Pia Di Palo, Rosario Serpico and Michele Simeone
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Maria Contaldo: Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Odontostomatological Specialities, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
Francesco D’Ambrosio: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
Giuseppe A. Ferraro: Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Odontostomatological Specialities, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
Dario Di Stasio: Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Odontostomatological Specialities, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
Maria Pia Di Palo: Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, University of Salerno, 84081 Salerno, Italy
Rosario Serpico: Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Odontostomatological Specialities, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
Michele Simeone: Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Science and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 11, 1-31

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; drug resistance; dentistry; dentists; dental health services (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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