My Blog
Archive:
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
- 2014
- 2013
- 2012
Tags
- celebrity smiles (83)
- tooth extraction (2)
- wisdom teeth (4)
- dental implant (4)
- common symptoms (1)
- dental hygiene (2)
- oral health (24)
- tooth decay (10)
- dental implants (18)
- dentures (3)
- pregnancy (4)
- smile makeover (1)
- cosmetic dentistry (11)
- oral hygiene (22)
- orthodontic treatment (17)
- pediatric dentistry (12)
- orthodontics (9)
- braces (10)
- oral cancer (5)
- toothache (2)
- sugar substitutes (1)
- chipped tooth (5)
- palatal expanders (1)
- teeth whitening (4)
- sedation dentistry (2)
- dental injury (7)
- mouthguards (4)
- osteoporosis (1)
- crown (1)
- dental exam (2)
- brushing teeth (1)
- tooth pain (2)
- root canal treatment (8)
- (1)
- porcelain veneers (2)
- diabetes (2)
- gum disease (14)
- chipped teeth (2)
- clear aligners (2)
- laser dentistry (1)
- sealants (2)
- athletic mouthguards (2)
- bridge (2)
- partial denture (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- oral sedation (1)
- bad breath (1)
- burning mouth syndrome (1)
- crowns (3)
- root canal (3)
- teeth wear (1)
- periodontal disease (5)
- bonding (1)
- dental anxiety (1)
- sinus surgery (1)
- nutrition (3)
- dental emergency (1)
- antibiotics (3)
- sleep apnea (1)
- snoring (1)
- periodontal (gum) disease (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- dry mouth (1)
- retainers (4)
- loose teeth (1)
- metal allergies (1)
- veneers (2)
- removable partial denture (1)
- palatal expander (1)
- bone grafting (1)
- dental treatment (1)
- bone loss (2)
- retainer (1)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- oral surgery (1)
- teeth grinding (1)
- thumb sucking (1)
- shingles (1)
- facial pain (1)
- gum recession (2)
- medicine (1)
- extraction (1)
- composite resin (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- eating disorder (1)
- gerd (1)
- tmj disorders (1)
- sensitive teeth (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- nerve pain (1)
Categories:
|
|
|
Check our Dentists Reviews on Angie's List |
The development of antibiotic drugs is widely considered one of the greatest medical achievements of the last century. Their widespread use has turned life-threatening diseases like cholera, strep throat or bacterial meningitis into manageable, treatable ones. It’s no exaggeration to say antibiotics changed the face of healthcare, including dentistry.
But this gleaming sword for fighting dangerous diseases has a double edge because our biological “enemies” can adapt to the microscopic attacks against them. This has created an ironic conundrum: as antibiotics have proliferated in both the amount and frequency used they’ve become less effective against ever-resistant organisms.
This unfortunate situation has been helped along by a widespread, misguided practice in the medical profession, created by a “better safe than sorry” philosophy, to use them to treat any illness. This has morphed in recent decades into using antibiotics as a preventive measure in those not even exhibiting signs of disease, which then evolved into using antibiotics as a feed additive for livestock. As a result, antibiotic drugs have made their way into the food chain to accelerate, in many people’s opinion, bacterial and viral resistance.
What can we do then as “super-bugs” are on the rise, like Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) which is resistant to the most common antibiotics?
Certainly, continuing research into creating new antibiotics that address resistance is vital. But it won’t be enough: we — both healthcare providers and patients — must also change our approach and attitude toward antibiotics. This means putting in place better prescription guidelines that reduce the application of antibiotics for only those conditions where it’s absolutely necessary. And, we must restrict their use as a preventive measure, particularly in regard to their use in livestock feed.
This will take a change in everyone’s mindset, our professional standards and guidelines, and perhaps our laws. Thankfully, many are seeing the looming danger, and change is already happening. But time is of the essence, and the future depends on it — not just for people today but also for tomorrow’s generations.
If you would like more information on prudent antibiotic use, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Antibiotics: Use and Abuse.”
