Antibiotics in the treatment of periodontal disease: a guide for the general dental practitioner

The Antifungal and Antibacterial Effect of Citrullus Colocynthis: In Vitro Study

Introduction: Bacteria almost exclusively cause caries and other oral and dental diseases. This study evaluated the inhibitory effect of the alcoholic extract of Citrullus colocynthis on bacteria and fungi common in oral bacteria diseases. Method and materials: The ethanol extract and essential oil of Citrullus colocynthis were obtained via water distillation. After conducting phytochemical tests, including determination of total phenolic and flavonoid compounds of the extracts, GC-MASS test and microbial tests of the extracts were conducted on S. mutans, E. coli, S. salivarius, L. acidophilus, C. albicans, and S. aureus. The cytotoxicity test was assessed by MTT assay. Results: MIC and MBC values for S. mutans, S. salivalius, and L. acidophilus were 1.56 mg/ml and 3.12 mg/ml, respectively. Moreover, Citrullus colocynthis also has an inhibitory effect on bacteria and C. albicans at these concentrations, according to the DAD test. The survival rate of cells at concentrations of 5 mg/ml and 10 mg/ml was less than 50%, and at concentrations of 2.5 mg/ml and 1.25 mg/ml was less than 70% after 24 hours and 48 hours. Conclusion: According to the cytotoxicity results of this plant at concentrations of 1.56 mg/ml and 3.125 mg/ml, the ethanolic extract of C. colocynthis has inhibitory and lethal effects against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.

Prescribing trends of systemic antibiotics by periodontists in Australia

BACKGROUND

Antibiotics are a common systemic pharmaceutical therapy in periodontal conditions for dental practitioners as well as specialists. However, there is limited information about prescribing patterns amongst the periodontists within Australia. The objective of this study is to examine current patterns and perceptions in prescribing systemic antibiotics for the treatment of periodontal and peri-implant diseases.

METHODS

An online questionnaire was disseminated to Australian practicing members of the Australia and New Zealand Academy of Periodontists (ANZAP) to determine their antibiotic prescribing patterns for different periodontal conditions. Indications that were analyzed included: chronic periodontitis, plaque-induced gingivitis, aggressive periodontitis, acute gingival and periodontal conditions, conditions associated with implants and implant placement, periodontal regeneration, and mucogingival surgery.

RESULTS

Out of the 50 members that participated in the study, 38 completed the questionnaire. Systemic antibiotics prescription patterns varied markedly for different periodontal or peri-implant diseases among respondents. 79% reported prescription of systemic antibiotics in the treatment of chronic periodontitis whereas 52.6%, 55.3%, 18.4% of the respondents did so for periodontal regeneration procedures, implant placement surgery, and mucogingival surgery, respectively. Azithromycin, the combination of Amoxicillin and Metronidazole, and Amoxicillin were the three most commonly prescribed systemic antibiotics.

CONCLUSION

Based on the results of this survey, systemic antibiotics are widely used by the group of periodontists surveyed in this study in Australia with varying rates and patterns for different periodontal and peri-implant conditions. The current study highlights the need for recommendations and guidelines in the prescription of antibiotics for periodontal and peri-implant conditions.

Necrotizing Periodontal Diseases in Children: A Literature Review and Adjustment of Treatment

Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis, sometimes observed in young children, may lead to necrotizing stomatitis and noma. Therefore, its interception is a necessity and a challenge for the paediatric practitioners. First, this article aims to propose a systematic review of recent literature on the use of local antiseptic and antibiotic prescription in this particular periodontal condition. Then, a protocol is proposed to have a simple, costless and reproducible treatment on children.