Antimicrobials in Pediatric Dentistry

Antimicrobial agents are some of the most widely used therapeutic drugs worldwide. The oral cavity encounters a host of microorganisms that cause biofilms to form, leading to plaque formation that subsequently results in tooth decay. Despite significant measures being implemented that range from preventive to restorative procedures, this disease continues to affect approximately a third of the world¿s population . The necessity for antimicrobial drug usage in pediatric dentistry arises from a variety of orofacial diseases. Successful management of infections relies on the practitioner¿s knowledge of the microbiology of odontogenic and intraoral infections , the spectrum of activity, pharmacology and adverse effects of the antimicrobial agents being prescribed. Appropriate use of antimicrobial agents involves obtaining an accurate diagnosis, determining the need for and timing of antimicrobial therapy, understanding how dosing affects the antimicrobial activities.