Use of amoxycillin in pediatric dentistry and knowledge and attitude of practitioners toward developing resistance

Abstract

Antibiotics are prescribed to patients in dentistry to combat various infections and pain. Antibiotics cure disease by killing, injuring, or inhibiting the growth of bacteria at very low concentrations. Unwarranted use of antibiotics is reported in children, mostly for ear and dental infections. However, in children, this insufficient knowledge of the appropriate clinical indications leads to increase in microbial resistance to antibiotics. A set of questionnaire was prepared based upon the antibiotics written by dentists. Total 95 dentist actively took part in the study. Questions were both open and close ended. Statistical analysis was done for the answers given. It was seen that there was a lack of knowledge among practitioners about the side effects and resistance of antibiotics. It concludes that better use of diagnostic services; surveillance and improvements in dental education are required now to lessen the impact of antibiotic resistance in the future. In the present study about 41% dentists prescribed amoxicillin to pediatric patients. amoxicillin use is associated with developmental enamel defects. The duration of antibiotic treatment should be kept shortest. Most acute infections are resolved in 3-7 days.