There are at least 400 morphologic and biochemically distinct bacterial groups or species that colonize the oral and
dental ecologic sites. Dental infections are almost always associated with specific bacterial pathogens and often
require the use of systemic antimicrobial therapy. Currently, many new antibiotics have been developed, but none of
them have been determined to be of significant benefit to replace or supplant the use of penicillins for the
management of dental infections. The complexity of the oral and dental flora has prevented the clear elucidation of
specific etiologic agents in most types of these infections, but most are caused by mixed polymicrobial bacteria.
Therefore, it seems that judicious using of antibiotics, mostly initiated empirically, in conjuntion with surgical
therapy is the most appropriate method to treat odontogenic infections. Moreover, cost, resistance, and adverse
effects of antibiotics can be decreased by using antibiotics, judiciously.
Key Words: Dental Infections, Judicious Antibiotic Usage, Management.
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