Antibiotic Therapy in Pediatric Dentistry: Update for Dentistry

Abstract

Objective: the present study aims to describe the main factors involved in antibiotic therapy as management of odontogenic infections in pediatric dentistry. In view of the importance of a drug prescription based on criteria that guarantee the effectiveness of the treatment and patient safety, it is mandatory for all dentists to understand the parameters that guide this practice. Materials and Methods: literature review counting on one book and articles published in English and Portuguese available in the PubMed database, Virtual Health Library, Scielo and Google Scholar, published from 2009 to 2019. Results: in this context, penicillin make up the group of antibiotics most used today in Dentistry and, not unlike, in Pediatric Dentistry. These are safe drugs, with highly effective action and the ability to suppress the main microorganisms involved in odontogenic infections. For oral infections in the initial phase, being mild or of moderate intensity, amoxicillin is indicated, and in cases of greater severity, the drug combination of penicillin and metronidazole is the most common choice. In case of allergy, clindamycin, clarithromycin or azithromycin are prescribed. Conclusion: antibiotic therapy in pediatric dentistry requires knowledge of the dentist about the prescribed medications, as well as about the individualities of each patient, considering the conditions of the child’s incomplete development