Antimicrobial medications are drugs prescribed by physicians, dentists and periodontists to either kill or prevent the formation of bacteria and other harmful organisms such as parasites, fungi and viruses in a person’s mouth and/or body. Localized and systemic infections may be treated with these drugs. Antimicrobial medications are sometimes also prescribed as a preventative measure for certain at-risk patients prior to dental visits.

Antibiotics are among the most frequently prescribed antimicrobial medications. They are usually used to treat dental conditions such as dental abscesses and periodontal disease. They may also be prescribed to prevent illness that can result when bacteria in the mouth enters the bloodstream during dental work. Preventative use of antibiotics is often recommended for patients who have certain pre-existing heart conditions or compromised immune systems.

Antifungal, antiviral and antiseptic drugs are other examples of antimicrobial medications prescribed to treat or prevent illness associated with dental work. For example, antifungal drugs are used to treat thrush, an infection of the mouth’s mucous membrane caused by the Candida albicans fungus. Antiviral drugs may be used to treat herpes simplex virus, an infection that causes cold sores. Finally, dentists may prescribe antiseptic drugs, which kill or inhibit the growth of organisms on body surfaces as a preventative measure to reduce the risk of developing periodontal disease.

Antimicrobial medications may be applied locally to a specific region of the mouth or taken internally as a pill, a lozenge (e.g., some antifungal medications), a mouth rinse or a liquid or injectable form. 

Allergic reaction is the most significant side effect associated with the use of antimicrobial medications. Patients may also experience signs of allergic reaction such as rashes, itchiness, facial swelling and watery eyes. In extreme cases, they may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, light headedness and drowsiness. In addition, some antimicrobial medications may cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.

In some cases, antimicrobial drugs have been shown to interact poorly with or decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, such as anticoagulants (drugs that help prevent blood clots) and oral contraceptives (birth control pills).