Dusan Surdilovic
Gulf Medical University, UAE
Title: Uses and abuses of antibiotics in Pediatric Dentistry
Biography
Biography: Dusan Surdilovic
Abstract
Antibiotics (AB) were considered one of the greatest inventions of the 20th century. Before this, infectious diseases contributed to high mortality and morbidity throughout the world. Soon antibiotic resistance became an issue of growing concern. At present, antibiotics are the most commonly sold medicines worldwide. The rampant and excessive use of antibiotics for any and every condition has escalated the problem of antibiotic resistance. Uncontrolled use of AB, especially in childhood, reduces bacteria that normally exist in a body maintaining normal macrophage activity as the primary immune-regulatory cells. Uncontrolled use of AB helps in establishing an inadequate immune-regulation that is present in a significant number of children in the form of frequent allergies, an increase in asthma, bone marrow dysfunction. There is a need to improve parents’ knowledge about antibiotics and promote healthier attitudes and practices. The interaction between parents and health professionals can help to improve the parents’ views regarding the use and indications of AB and the importance of completing their course. Mass media can also play an important role in disseminating the appropriate information to the general public. Stringent laws should be enforced by the government that prohibits the availability of antibiotics as over the counter remedies. Also, a pharmacist should be encouraged to give only the amount of AB as mentioned in the prescription and not as per pack size. Lack of knowledge regarding antibiotic resistance was prevalent. Confusion was more among those with lower formal education. More interaction with paediatricians and involvement of the community can help to improve the antibiotics knowledge and practices among parents and thus, control the problem of AB resistance.