Antibiotics in dentistry: A narrative review of literature and guidelines considering antibiotic resistance

Background: Antibiotic resistance is an important issue for public health. Objective: The aim of this work is to investigate the clinical situations which require the administration of antibiotics in dentistry. Methods: The authors want to do a review of the literature and a comparison of guidelines in dentistry among different countries. The research method was based on the use of Pubmed and the research of indexed articles and documents published by authorities and boards about the antibiotic prescription in dentistry. The paper is an analysis deep inside the physiological and pathological situations that, according to different guidelines, require the use of antimicrobics. The spirit is a clinical one because this paper wants to be a guide for dentists, especially before the administration, in order to moderate the use of antimicrobials. We must remember that the World Health Organisation organizes each year the World Antibiotic Awareness Week, in order to fight against the improper administration of antibiotics in medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine, and industrial livestock. Results: Different guidelines converge on a very calibrate and proper administration of antibiotics. Antibiotics should be used only in recommended situations for risk patients. The authorities and boards should investigate the habits of antibiotic administration, which according to some papers seem to be large and diffused use, not only limited to situations described in guidelines. Conclusion: Dentists, together with the General Practitioners and Paediatricians, should be cautious and accurate and should administrate antibiotics only if recommended by guidelines and effective and safe.