Popping pills - When to put a full stop?

Background: Dental practitioners regularly prescribe antibiotics for therapeutic or prophylactic purposes to manage oral infections. There are limited indications for the use of systemic antibiotics in dentistry since oral hygiene measures, and operative interventions are the primary treatment modalities. However, inappropriate prescription and excessive antibiotic usage have been identifi ed as major factors in the emergence of antibiotic resistance. Aim: To know the pattern and rationality of antimicrobial prescription by dentists in Nagpur city. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Nagpur city where 200 questionnaires were distributed to dentists which sought answers to the relevance of antibiotic prescription in dentistry. Results: Majority of dentists would prescribe antibiotics for patients with systemic involvement. However, many respondents would consider an antibiotic prescription for acute periapical infection (83%), cellulitis (92%), pericoronitis (87%), routine dental extraction, and for non-specifi c diagnosis, the patient expectation for a prescription, and time constraint of dentists. The study revealed that use of antibiotics is more among specialists as compared to general practitioners. Conclusion: Judicious use of antimicrobials by prescribing the standard drug dosage, and ordering for a culture and sensitivity test should be a priority. These eff orts will reduce the risk of antimicrobial resistance and prevent the transformation of microorganisms into deadly strains.