For years many doctors and dentists recommended that certain patients take an antibiotic prior to having any dental work completed including cleanings Suggest reasons why this is no longer recommend?

There are several reasons why it is no longer recommended for certain patients to take an antibiotic prior to dental work, including cleanings:

1. Lack of evidence for effectiveness: Extensive research and studies have shown that taking antibiotics before dental procedures does not significantly reduce the risk of developing an infection. The benefit of antibiotics in preventing infective endocarditis (IE) following dental procedures has not been conclusively demonstrated.

2. Increased risk of antibiotic resistance: Overusing antibiotics can lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. When antibiotics are used unnecessarily, it creates a selective pressure that allows resistant bacteria to thrive and multiply. This can make it more difficult to treat infections in the future, both in dentistry and in other areas of medicine.

3. Potential side effects: Antibiotics can have various side effects, including gastrointestinal disturbances, allergic reactions, and interactions with other medications. By avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use, these potential risks can be minimized.

4. Guidelines from medical organizations: Major health organizations, such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Dental Association (ADA), have updated their guidelines and no longer recommend routine antibiotic prophylaxis before dental procedures, except in specific cases where there is a high risk of developing an infection.

5. Alternative preventive measures: Instead of relying solely on antibiotics, dentists now focus on other preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection during dental procedures. These measures include proper hand hygiene, sterilization of instruments, and the use of antimicrobial mouth rinses.

It's important for patients to discuss their specific health conditions and concerns with their doctor or dentist to determine if antibiotic prophylaxis is necessary before dental work.