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→Antibiotic Use
==Antibiotic Use==
==Antibiotic Use==
[[Antibiotics|Antimicrobial agents]] have been extensively used (in both human and veterinary medicine) for more than half a century and the potential and limitations of this therapy are now better understood.<br><br>
[[Antibiotics|Antimicrobial agents]] have been extensively used (in both human and veterinary medicine) for more than half a century and the potential and limitations of this therapy are now better understood.<br><br>
Problems, resulting from the widespread use of [[antibiotics]], have modified the general perception of the capabilities of antimicrobial agents. Over the years, [[:Category:Bacteria|bacteria]] have developed a marked ability to withstand or repel many antibiotic agents. Bacteria are increasingly resistant to many formerly potent agents. The use of antibiotics may disturb the delicate ecologic equilibrium of the body, allowing the proliferation of resistant bacteria and/or nonbacterial organisms. Sometimes this may initiate new infections that are worse than the ones originally treated. In addition, no antibacterial drug is completely nontoxic and the use of any antimicrobial agent will have accompanying risks. It must also be remembered that '''resistant bacteria can cross the species barrier'''. Antibiotics and [[Antiseptics for Oral Disease|antiseptics]] have a role to play in the management of oral diseases, but their use should be limited and selective.<br><br>
Problems, resulting from the widespread use of [[antibiotics]], have modified the general perception of the capabilities of antimicrobial agents. Over the years, [[:Category:Bacteria|bacteria]] have developed a marked ability to withstand or repel many antibiotic agents. Bacteria are increasingly resistant to many formerly potent agents. The use of antibiotics may disturb the delicate ecologic equilibrium of the body, allowing the proliferation of resistant bacteria and/or nonbacterial organisms. Sometimes this may initiate new infections that are worse than the ones originally treated. In addition, no antibacterial drug is completely non-toxic and the use of any antimicrobial agent has accompanying risks. It must also be remembered that '''resistant bacteria can cross the species barrier'''. Antibiotics and [[Antiseptics for Oral Disease|antiseptics]] have a role to play in the management of oral diseases, but their use should be limited and selective.<br><br>
Dosing regimens and strategies that lead to optimal efficacy of antimicrobial agents must be implemented. Antibiotics can be used for prevention and for therapy.
Dosing regimens and strategies that lead to optimal efficacy of antimicrobial agents must be implemented. Antibiotics can be used for prevention and for therapy.