Evidence-Based Antibiotic Protocols and Digital Innovation in Oral Infection Management: Optimizing Use Through Teledentistry and Modern Diagnostics

Dear Colleagues,

The global burden of oral diseases is growing, and is associated with significant impacts on patients’ quality of life. The presence of plaque-associated biofilm, along with rising antibiotic resistance, poses a substantial challenge in both the prevention and management of oral infections. Early and accurate diagnosis plays a key role in improving clinical outcomes and reducing the risk of infection recurrence. Depending on the patient’s clinical condition and the characteristics of the resident oral microbiota, the required treatment may involve systemic antibiotic therapy either alone or in combination with dental procedures. There are multiple antibiotic regimens currently in use, with the choice and duration of treatment varying based on the severity and extent of the infection. Timely antibiotic intervention is essential to prevent biofilm formation, which can exacerbate inflammatory responses and promote dysbiosis. A combined approach which integrates systemic antibiotics alongside localized delivery may provide an enhanced solution to oral infections. The selection and dosage of antibiotics must be carefully evaluated, with consideration of their synergistic or antagonistic interactions and their effects on the host’s microbiota.

While antibiotics remain a valuable adjunct in the treatment of oral infections, their use also presents challenges. In the post-SARS-CoV-2 era, antibiotic stewardship has become increasingly important, influencing clinical decision-making and protocols for anticipating and managing potential secondary infections.

Modern dentistry is progressively integrating digital tools to enhance both disease prevention and care delivery. Technologies such as teledentistry and telemedicine are playing an increasingly relevant role in early diagnosis, patient education, follow-up, and therapeutic monitoring, particularly in underserved or remote areas. These innovations not only facilitate access to dental care, but also support clinicians in adopting more targeted and timely antibiotic strategies, ultimately reducing unnecessary prescriptions and limiting the development of resistance.

This Special Issue invites contributions of original research articles, reviews, and clinical reports exploring innovative, evidence-based approaches to antibiotic use in oral healthcare. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Antimicrobial stewardship in dental settings;
• Qualitative and quantitative research on the determinants of antibiotic use and resistance;
• Rational antibiotic use related to oral and maxillofacial infections;
• Novel diagnostic tools and methods for assessing antibiotic resistance;
• Patterns of antibiotic misuse and their implications for resistance;
• Drug–drug interactions and pharmacotherapeutic considerations in dentistry;
• Antibiotic intake and its role in secondary infections of oral origin;
• Clinical signs and adverse effects of inappropriate antibiotic use in dental practice;
• The role of digital health, telemedicine, and teledentistry in infection prevention and antibiotic management.

Dr. Manlio Santilli
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Antibiotics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• antibiotics
• dental infections
• oral infections
• antibacterial resistance
• telemedicine
• teledentistry
• antimicrobial management
• AI-related