During pregnancy, which antibiotics are preferred for dental infections?

• A. Penicillins or cephalosporins
• B. Tetracyclines
• C. Fluoroquinolones
• D. Macrolides

Answer: (A)

When treating dental infections in pregnancy, the priority is to use an antibiotic that is effective for the infection while posing the least risk to the fetus. Penicillins and cephalosporins fit this goal best because they have the most robust safety data in pregnancy and reliably cover the typical oral infection pathogens (like Streptococcus species and anaerobes). Amoxicillin or penicillin V are common examples, with cephalexin as a typical cephalosporin option.

Tetracyclines are avoided because they can cross the placenta and affect fetal teeth and bone development, leading to permanent enamel discoloration. Fluoroquinolones are avoided due to concerns about potential cartilage damage in a developing fetus. Macrolides can be used as alternatives if penicillins can’t be used, but they don’t have the same level of safety data for pregnancy as penicillins or cephalosporins, so they’re not the first choice.

So, penicillins or cephalosporins are the preferred antibiotics for dental infections during pregnancy.