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Antibiotics are medicines used to treat bacterial infections. Infections caused by bacteria can spread throughout the body if not treated. This makes antibiotics an important part of our healthcare toolbox.

What Antibiotics Are Prescribed Too Often?

A prescription of an antibiotic is often necessary, but overuse of antibiotics has contributed to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Antibiotic resistance is a serious health concern because it makes infections harder to treat and cure, and it puts people at increased risk for dangerous side effects. As more antibiotic-resistant bacteria develop, patients can have longer hospital stays, increased medical costs, and even death. This is why it is important for dentists to prescribe antibiotics only when necessary. This can help prevent further antibiotic resistance in the future.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the most common reasons a doctor may prescribe antibiotics include the following:

1. To reduce pain and fever from common infections such as those that cause the common cold, sore throat, or sinus infections.

2. To prevent infections from occurring after surgery.

3. To treat bacterial bronchitis, pneumonia, strep throat, and some ear infections.

4. For conditions caused by viruses such as the flu or chickenpox.

5. To help control acne or reduce symptoms associated with rosacea.

6. To prevent infection in patients with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as HIV/AIDS.

7. In cases of Lyme disease, which is spread by tick bites.

When prescribing an antibiotic, your doctor should discuss with you the specific type of medication that is best for you and the possible risks of taking antibiotics. If your dentist has prescribed antibiotic treatment for you, make sure you take the pills exactly as instructed for the full length of the cycle as prescribed by your doctor. Do not stop taking medicine early unless told to do so by your doctor. If the treatment requires the use of both oral and injectable medication, you still need to take all of the oral medications, even if you do not need the injections. If you

Why Are Antibiotics Overused?

The overuse of antibiotics is a serious problem in the U.S. that contributes to the development of resistant strains of bacteria, which can make infections more difficult to treat in the future. Unfortunately, dentists are part of the problem when it comes to the regular use of antibiotic prescriptions at routine check-ups. Many patients expect to get an antibiotic every time they visit the dentist and get a clean bill of health. This is not only dangerous for the continued treatment of the patients who get these medications but also increases their risk of contributing to the rise of resistance in bacteria in the population.

As a result, many dental offices are doing what they can to reduce the use of prescription medications for common ailments. However, some illnesses like strep throat still require antibiotic treatment prior to the start of the patient’s appointment to prevent the spread of the infection to other patients in the waiting room and office. Your dentist may also prescribe antibiotics after a routine cleaning or oral surgery to reduce the risk of infection.

There are several reasons that dentists may opt to give a patient a prescription instead of just recommending over-the-counter medication to help alleviate symptoms of an illness. 

Please reach out to our dental practice in Mission Viejo, CA, to have a consultation with our dentist, Dr. Lee, or call us at (949) 380-0315. We'll guide you further.