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Antibiotic Prophylaxis | Antibiotics for the Treatment of Dental Infections | Adverse Events

In an effort to address rising antibiotic resistance and untoward effects, guidelines for the use of antibiotics in medicine and dentistry are evolving. Some infections that were previously routinely managed with antibiotics (e.g., sinusitis, otitis media, bronchitis) are now carefully evaluated to determine the need for antibiotics. When antibiotics are prescribed, it is important to use the most narrow-spectrum agent, limiting the exposure, with short-course regimens and/or early discontinuation. Collectively, these evolving practices are referred to as “antibiotic stewardship”. The healthcare community continues to struggle with patient expectations of antibiotic use and therefore it is imperative that patients be involved in evidence-informed decision-making by improving their knowledge of the benefits and risks of antibiotic use.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis

• What is Antibiotic Prophylaxis?
• Joint Replacement and Dental Antibiotic Prophylaxis

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How Are Antibiotics Used for Before, During or After Dental Treatment?

• Video: Why your dentist might not prescribe antibiotics
• en Espanol: "Su Dentista Podría No Recetarle Antibióticos"
• Using antibiotics wisely (advice from the American Dental Association)
• Antibiotic Safety at the Dentist (brochure)
• Interactive Presentation: Antibiotics and You
• Tedx Talks: Antibiotics "just-in-case"
• Antibiotics and You (Interactive Presentation)
  

Best Practice: Short Course, Early Discontinuation

• When You Don't Have to Finish Your Antibiotics- Consumer Reports 
  
  

Best Practice: Safe Disposal of Unused Antibiotics

• Got old antibiotics? Dispose of them safely here!
• Guidance from the US Food & Drug Administration (FDA): 
• Where and How to Dispose of Unused Medicines (website)
• Video: How to Safely Dispose of Unused or Expired Medicine

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Adverse Events

Antibiotic (Penicillin) Allergies

• Penicillin Allergy—What do you need to know?
• Is It Really a Penicillin Allergy?  (CDC Factsheet)
• Are you allergic to penicillin? (Graphic)
• Penicillin Allergy: Patient Factsheet 
• Do You Really Have a Penicillin Allergy? 
• English Version
• Spanish Version
  
  

Clostridium difficile (C. diff) 

• CDC: Your Risk of C. diff
• Peggy Lillis Foundation for C. diff Education & Advocacy

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Click on the boxes below to view resources for prescribers, the dental team, and policymakers. 

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