Home > Resources > Antibiotic Stewardship for Oral Health > Antibiotic Stewardship for Patients Antibiotic Prophylaxis | Antibiotics for the Treatment of Dental Infections | Adverse Events
In an effort to address rising antibiotic resistance and untoward effects, guidelines for the use of antibiotics in medicine and dentistry are evolving. Some infections that were previously routinely managed with antibiotics (e.g., sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis) are now carefully evaluated to determine the need for antibiotics. When antibiotics are prescribed, it is important to use the most narrow-spectrum agent, limiting the exposure, with short-course regimens and/or early discontinuation. Collectively, these evolving practices are referred to as “antibiotic stewardship”. The healthcare community continues to struggle with patient expectations of antibiotic use and therefore it is imperative that patients be involved in evidence-informed decision-making by improving their knowledge of the benefits and risks of antibiotic use. Antibiotic ProphylaxisHow Are Antibiotics Used for Before, During or After Dental Treatment?
Best Practice: Short Course, Early DiscontinuationBest Practice: Safe Disposal of Unused Antibiotics
Adverse EventsAntibiotic (Penicillin) Allergies
Clostridium difficile (C. diff)Click on the boxes below to view resources for prescribers, the dental team, and policymakers. |