Antimicrobial Resistance in Dentistry: A Systematic Review of Prescribing Practices, Pathogen Resistance, and Clinical Implications

Aim: To examine the primary causes of antibiotic resistance in periodontal and dental care to encourage more prudent antibiotic usage and create focused solutions to address this expanding public health concern.Introduction: A major concern in dental and periodontal care is antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which is made worse by the overuse of antibiotics in dental procedures. Despite recommendations, the overprescription of antibiotics for minor procedures leads to the development of resistant microorganisms. The origins and effects of AMR in dentistry are examined in this review, with particular attention paid to bacterial resistance, prescribing procedures, and patient adherence.Materials and Methods: To assess how antibiotics used in dental procedures affect AMR, a systematic review was carried out utilizing the PICO framework. To find research published between 2015 and 2025, a literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria focused on English-language observational studies about antibiotic resistance in dentistry, while reviews, non-English articles, and in vivo/in vitro studies were excluded. Selected articles were screened and managed using Zotero.Results: After analyzing 11 studies, it was determined that periodontal illnesses were associated with a significant prevalence of antibiotic resistance, specifically to amoxicillin and metronidazole. Resistance was largely caused by inappropriate prescription and poor patient adherence. The research also demonstrated how invasive dental procedures contribute to the spread of resistant germs and bacteremia.Conclusions: Due to overprescription and noncompliance, AMR poses a serious risk to tooth health. To fight AMR and maintain the efficacy of antibiotics in dentistry, targeted interventions, better adherence, and alternative therapy are crucial.