Peculiarities of the use of antibiotics in pediatric dentistry: the view of Russian specialists

Introduction. Antibiotic therapy in pediatric dentistry requires a tailored approach due to the risks of antimicrobial resistance and the age-specific physiological characteristics of children. The aim of this study was to examine the antibiotic prescribing practices of Russian dentists in the provision of dental care to children. Materials and Methods. A quantitative sociological survey was conducted from October 2024 to January 2025 involving 102 dentists from various regions of the Russian Federation. Data analysis was performed using the chi-square (χ²) test with the Holm—Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons (p lt; 0.05). Results and Discussion. The most common indications for antibiotic prescription were periodontitis (37%) and periostitis (31%). Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Amoxiclav) was the most frequently prescribed antibiotic (27%), followed by amoxicillin (16%). In 92% of cases, dosing was calculated based on the childs body weight, and the oral route of administration was overwhelmingly preferred (p lt; 0.001). However, only 12% of respondents reported performing antibiotic susceptibility testing, indicating a predominantly empirical approach to prescribing. The most commonly reported adverse effects were diarrhea and allergic reactions; 78% of dentists prescribed probiotics to prevent disturbances of the gut microbiota. Conclusion. The findings highlight the urgent need to implement standardized clinical guidelines and educational programs focused on the rational use of antibiotics in pediatric dentistry.