Antibiotic Prophylaxis: Does it really help?

You may hear a family member or acquaintance suggest that they take antibiotics before dental treatments. Ever ponder the reasons why? Prophylactic antibiotics are medicines used to avoid infection.

Antibiotics are frequently used to treat bacterial infections. However, in some cases, doctors or dentists advise taking antibiotics before treatment to lower the risk of infection. This is known as antibiotic prophylaxis. The bloodstream is exposed to oral microorganisms during several dental procedures. The immune system often eliminates these germs in humans. 

However, there is fear that in certain people, oral bacteria could enter the bloodstream and infect another part of the body. Antibiotic prophylaxis may provide these individuals with added security.

Researchers discovered that nearly half of the over 500,000 antibiotic prescriptions they examined were written without an infection-related diagnosis. And roughly 20% were provided over the phone, typically without an office visit.

The prevalent issue of antibiotic-resistant illnesses is a result of such indiscriminate antibiotic use. Antibiotics are only useful against bacterial diseases; they are ineffective against viral illnesses like the common cold. The unnecessary use of antibiotics exposes bacteria to the medications, which provides them a chance to evolve and develop resistance.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis: What is it?

For patients undergoing cleanings, root canals, extractions, deep scaling, root planing, and other treatments where there may be a danger of bacteria entering the bloodstream, a prophylactic antibiotic, often referred to as premedication is advised. Prophylactic antibiotics are typically not necessary for procedures like x-rays, denture placements or adjustments, anaesthetic injections, and non-invasive orthodontic treatment.

One dose of amoxicillin taken an hour prior to your appointment is the most typical treatment when a patient needs to premedicate with antibiotics. Clindamycin is typically used for people who have allergies to members of the -cillin family.

What are the advantages of Prophylactic Antibiotics?

Antibiotics used as a preventative strategy reduce your chances of acquiring infections, which can sometimes be fatal. Antibiotics taken as a preventative measure can also avert a persistent or recurrent infection from returning.

Why do doctors prescribe Prophylactic Antibiotics?

Antibiotics used as a preventive measure have several uses. These are the most typical.

Dental treatments

Some dental procedures can allow oral bacteria to enter your bloodstream. Normally, this won't be an issue for those with strong immune systems. They easily fight off many infections. Infections are more prone to occur in people with specific disorders. Congenital cardiac issues, a heart transplant, artificial heart valves, and a history of infectious carditis are a few of them.

Surgical procedures

Some surgical procedures carry a substantial risk of infection. If you are having one of these procedures, your doctor will likely prescribe you prophylactic antibiotics. These procedures include, among others, hysterectomy, neurosurgery, and head-and-neck cancer surgery.

Delivery and labor

In certain situations, prophylactic antibiotics during labor and delivery may be necessary.

Persistent infections

If you frequently have infections, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help you avoid getting sick. The most prevalent of these are recurring skin infections, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and episodes of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

 

Compromised immune system 

If your immune system is compromised, you might need prophylactic antibiotics before an operation.

What are the hazards of Prophylactic Antibiotics?

Antibiotic resistance is the most serious risk with prophylactic antibiotics. Everyone is impacted by this issue, not just those who take prophylactic antibiotics. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria and fungi that were once killed by antibiotics learn to resist them. When this occurs, they become exceedingly challenging to cure.

Antibiotic resistance frequently results from the following pathway, according to research:

·       There are numerous bacteria, but very few of them are antibiotic-resistant.

·       In addition to the pathogens causing your illness, antibiotics also destroy the good bacteria your body needs to stay healthy.

·       Antibiotic-resistant microorganisms proliferate and dominate.

·       The resistant bacteria subsequently spread their ability to withstand antibiotics to other bacteria.

Why isn't every patient given Antibiotic Prophylaxis?

Like any treatment, antibiotics should only be used when their potential advantages outweigh their dangers. Antibiotic prophylaxis is not appropriate for everyone. Consider, for instance, the rarity of infections following dental procedures and the possibility of antibiotic side effects in some individuals. 

Antibiotic side effects might include stomach discomfort, diarrhea, and allergic reactions, some of which can be fatal. Additionally, misusing or overusing antibiotics might cause germs to develop drug resistance. Therefore, it's crucial to only administer antibiotic prophylaxis to those who are most at risk of getting an infection after receiving dental care.

Conclusion

Make sure your dentist is aware of all the medications you are taking, and inform them of any changes in your health since your last appointment. Your dentist can discuss whether you might benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis with you and your doctor once they have this information. Maintaining good dental health at home is essential. Ensure to use fluoride toothpaste twice daily, floss once daily, eats a healthy diet, and go to the dentist frequently.