Antibiotic Use at the Dentist

Tips for Using Antibiotics from Your Dentist

Resistance to antibiotics is one of the most pressing health problems this day and age, this according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the CDC, approximately 50 percent of antibiotic use in hospitals is unnecessary or inappropriate for the given situation. Additionally, studies have found that dental professionals may also be responsible for prescribing antibiotic medications when they are not needed or necessary.

Antibiotics are powerful and are used to help fight bacterial infections. These medicines work by killing off the bacteria or by preventing the bacteria from reproducing until the body’s natural immune system can fight off the infection itself. When these medications are prescribed correctly, they can be very valuable in helping cure diseases or preventing the spread of these diseases, but, contrary to what many believe, antibiotics are not useful in helping to fight off most viral infections, such as the flu.

Every time a patient takes an antibiotic medication, weak or susceptible bacteria are killed off, but stronger bacteria are often left to grow and possibly multiply. These antibiotic resistant germs continue to grow and spread to others, making it possible for an antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria to form, which can become a problem for families or even whole communities. The improper and repeated use of antibiotics is the primary cause for the increase we and doctors seen in strains of drug-resistant bacteria.

Dentists prescribe their patients antibiotics as a way to manage infections that occur in or around the mouth, which are most often caused by the presence of bacteria. Antibiotics are also sometimes used after oral surgery as a means of preventing infection and are even prescribed as a way to manage toothaches – antibiotics, in fact, cannot cure a toothache and are often not necessary after oral surgery has been performed. Those patients who are taking antibiotics need to keep these things in mind:

• Only take antibiotics as a means to treat a bacterial infection – antibiotics do not cure the common cold or other viral infections.
• Take antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor, and take the entire prescription even if the infection has gone away – stopping the antibiotic can cause bacteria to re-infect.
• Do not save antibiotic prescriptions for future use – antibiotics degrade over time.
• Do not share antibiotics with other individuals – antibiotics are prescribed for a specific purpose and are not a “one size fits all” medical solution.

If you or a family member has questions about antibiotic use or is due for a visit, you can sign up for a New Hampshire Discount Dental Plan and save as much as 20 percent on all your dental bills. For more information, please click here. We also offer Employee Discount Dental Plans for business owners offering dental to their employees.

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