Table 1. Activity of Antimicrobial Agents Against Oral Microorganisms
| Comments | |
|---|---|
| Penicillin | Use oral penicillin V as it results in higher plasma levels than oral penicillin G. |
| Amoxicillin | Achieves higher serum concentrations than oral penicillin V; recommended in prophylaxis of dental infections. |
| Cephalexin | Not recommended in prophylaxis/treatment of dental infections. >90% of Viridans Group Streptococci are resistant to cephalexin. |
| Cefuroxime | Good activity against most dental pathogens. |
| Macrolides | Less activity against dental pathogens compared to β-lactam agents. |
|
Ciprofloxacin/ Levofloxacin/ Moxifloxacin |
Not recommended in prophylaxis/treatment of dental infections. |
| Clindamycin | Due to significant risks of adverse effects including C. difficile infection (highest risk of any other antibiotic class) and significant resistance of oral flora, clindamycin use should be restricted to documented allergy/intolerance to all other recommended agents. |
| Metronidazole | No aerobic coverage; use in combination with penicillin. |
| Doxycycline/ Tetracycline | Anti-inflammatory properties may have role in periodontal infections. |