ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE: A COMMON CHALLENGE IN DENTISTRY

The discovery and subsequent clinical introduction of antibiotics is one of the most important game changers in the history of medicine. Antibiotics are widely used in dental practice both for therapeutic and prophylactic reason. Unfortunately, in recent years the use of antibiotics has been accompanied by the rapid emergence of antimicrobial resistance causing a major threat to healthcare system. Solid guideline or recommendation is often lacking regarding prescription of antibiotic in dentistry.Issuing antibiotic prescribing guidelines, antibiotic stewardship program, addressing over the counter sale of antibiotics,education programmes can be considered useful for curbing antibiotic abuse. To highlight the severity of the issue, several international declarations have been published to call upon the government around the globe to take action on antibiotic resistance.