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DENTALHEALTH…ANTIBIOTIC USE IN DENTISTRY
By Dr. NerominiFagu
Antibiotics are medicines used to treat and prevent infections caused by bacteria. One of the 
first known antibiotics is Penicillin which was discovered by Alexander Flemming in 1928. It changed the face of medicine. Antibiotics work by either killing the bacteria (bactericidal) or keeping it from reproducing and growing (bacteriostatic).
Antibiotics are specific for the type of bacteria being treated and are not the correct choice for all infections, and should not be interchanged. Colds and flu are viral infections and do not need an antibiotic because your immune system will usually fight off the virus, and because antibiotics are usually ineffective for killing viruses.
Unfortunately, many people self-diagnose and prescribe their own antibiotics. Some even pop a few capsules if they “feel” a cold coming on in hopes of staving it off. This, unfortunately, is an abuse of the medication and can lead to serious problems. Antibiotics are usually safe with few side effects when used correctly. The following are some of the antibiotics used in dentistry.
Amoxycillin
One of the most commonly used antibiotics in dentistry in Guyana is Amoxycillin. It belongs to the penicillin group of drugs and is prescribed to treat infections that are caused by certain bacteria. Most of you may know Amoxycillin as the black and red capsules that you can obtain from your neighbourhood pharmacy or drug store. Amoxycillin seems to be the go-to antibiotic and is self-prescribed by many persons for many ailments.
In dentistry it is prescribed to treat dental abscesses and infections. Amoxycillin may be combined with other medications to increase its effectiveness.
Clindamycin
Clindamycin is often used when penicillin and erythromycin don’t respond adequately to the treatment of anaerobic bacteria that cause serious infections in bone and soft tissue. Clindamycin is also one of two options for patients with Type I allergic reactions to penicillin and/or cephalosporin antibiotics.
Tetracycline
Tetracycline and its class of drugs, including doxycycline and minocycline, are used in the treatment of periodontal diseases. These medications may be used either in combination with surgery and other therapies, or alone. They work to reduce or temporarily eliminate bacteria associated with periodontal disease.
They may be used to suppress the destruction of the tooth’s attachment to the bone or to reduce the pain and irritation of canker sores. The side effects of tetracycline include the permanent discolouration of teeth when taken at critical periods of tooth development. It should not be prescribed to pregnant women or young children.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin is a bacteriostatic antibiotic that is used for treating dental infections in patients who are allergic to penicillin and its classes of drugs.
Metronidazole
Metronidazole, also known as Flagyl, is a useful addition to an antibiotic regimen when coverage of anaerobic bacteria is needed. It may be used in combination with Amoxycillin to increase its efficacy to combat aggressive oral infections.
Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine is an antibiotic used to control plaque and gingivitis in the mouth, or in periodontal pockets (the space between your gum and tooth). The medication is available as a mouth rinse which provides antimicrobial activity and as a gelatin-filled chip that is placed in the deep gum pockets around the teeth after root planning of patients with adult periodontitis. The drug in the gelatin-filled chip is slowly released over a period of about seven days.
Antibiotics are not over the counter medications and should not be taken unless prescribed by your dentist. In other countries there are severe penalties for dispensing drugs without a prescription. Unfortunately, this is not the case here. One can even obtain certain medications without a prescription at the local grocery store.
Hopefully, one day the powers that be will see it necessary to enforce the laws for drug dispensing.
It is important to follow the exact dosage and frequency as instructed by a dentist for antibiotic use. You should always use the full course of the antibiotic even if you gain relief after a few days of usage. Stopping the medication too early may result in a return of the infection. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one and never share left over medication with someone else.
For more information contact OMNI DENTAL at 295 Quamina Street, Georgetown Tel: 227-0025, Parika Tel: 260-3133 or send emails to [email protected].
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