THE RATIONAL USE OF ANTIBIOTICS IN DENTISTRY

Abstract

The first antibiotic appeared in 1928, a substance with the power to destroy or stop the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms. These drugs are essential in clinical practice for the prevention and treatment of infections; however, their indiscriminate use can lead to the emergence of bacterial resistance. The aim of this study is to address the rational use of antibiotics in dentistry, the problem being: How can the careless administration of antibiotics in dental practice contribute to bacterial resistance? The general objective of this study is to present the importance of the rational use of antibiotics in dentistry, as well as to analyze bacterial resistance as a consequence of their indiscriminate use. The specific objectives are to address the historical context of antibiotics; describe how the rational use of antibiotics should be; and verify the antibiotic control measures taken by the current agencies. This study is a descriptive bibliographic review with a qualitative approach from the databases of Google Scholar, Scielo, PubMed, scientific articles, theses, monographs, books and websites. In view of this, the irrational use of antibiotics generates bacterial resistance, which in turn worsens the clinical condition of patients and increases the number of deaths. Dentists are also responsible for this by prescribing these medications without scientific support. For this reason, it is necessary to raise awareness among these professionals so that there is a change in behavior, contributing to the fight against antimicrobial resistance.