[Rational use of antibiotics by the dentist can prevent microbial resistance]

Worldwide resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics is becoming a problem of major concern. An antibiotic policy which tries to control the development of resistance by rational use is needed in all fields where antibiotics are prescribed. In dental practice, apart from endocarditisprophylaxis, prophylaxis is leukopenic patients and prophylaxis after dental implants, antibiotics can be used to support local therapy of an dentoalveolar abscess or refractory periodontitis. In the majority of these cases, a small spectrum penicillin is therapy of choice.