Antimicrobials in Pediatric Dentistry

Antibacterial agents are among the most commonly prescribed pediatric therapeutic agents. Their proper use requires knowledge of the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and toxicities unique to the pediatric population. As a class they are the most frequently used or misused drugs. Dental professionals must have knowledge about extent of severity of infection and the general condition of the individual in order to decide and correctly prescribe antimicrobials. Proper choice, dose and duration of the drugs with minimum side effects to the patient remain the goal of antimicrobial therapy. It is hoped that the promotion of judicious antibiotic usage subsequent to increasing antibacterial resistance will preserve the efficacy of many agents. The objective of this book is to improve the art and science of drug therapy in situations of infections in children.