Oral Care in A Post-Antibiotic Age: Problems and Treatment Options

Antibiotic overuse has created a problem with increased antibiotic resistance of disease-causing microorganisms. Prophylactic antibiotic usage in dentistry has contributed to this problem and to adverse events like Clostridioides difficile infection. Antibiotic prescribing practices need review, and so do treatment options for patient care in the post-antibiotic age. Hydrogen peroxide is an example of an antimicrobial that can treat anaerobic organisms and those found in biofilms to reduce periodontal disease and improve general health. The development and use of non-antibiotic, broadspectrum antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents and narrowly targeted antibiotic prescription usage will improve dentistry.

Keywords: Antibiotic resistance; Clostridioides difficile infection; Periodontitis; Hydrogen peroxide; Prescription tray therapy

Abbreviations: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI)