LONDON: By 2050, deaths from antibiotic resistance could outpace cancer fatalities, with experts stressing the urgent need for preventive measures in oral and systemic health. Innovative methods like light-activated antibacterial therapy offer promising solutions, particularly in reducing reliance on antibiotics for dental treatments.
A study in The Lancet estimates 39 million global deaths from antimicrobial resistance (AMR) by 2050 if current trends persist. Observed annually from November 18–24, World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (WAAW) underscores the rising threat of AMR, driven by antibiotic misuse, overprescription, and limited availability of new treatments.
AMR and Dentistry: A growing concern
Dentists contribute to approximately 10% of all human antibiotic prescriptions, often for non-essential use. This has led to resistant bacterial strains in oral health care. The World Dental Federation (FDI) advocates for reducing unnecessary antibiotic use by addressing root causes of infections and emphasizing preventive care, such as abscess drainage and endodontic treatments.
Professor Charlotta Edlund, a microbiology expert, highlights the need for robust guidelines and clinician education to minimize antibiotic overuse in dentistry. “Monitoring prescription behavior and motivating adherence to guidelines is crucial to combating AMR,” she said.
Emerging solutions: Light-activated antibacterial therapy
Light-activated photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is emerging as a game-changer. Unlike traditional antibiotics, aPDT uses light and photosensitizers to destroy bacterial cells without inducing resistance. This approach has proven effective against antibiotic-resistant strains and is used in periodontal and root canal treatments, as well as in cancer detection.
“The ROS generated during aPDT cause oxidative damage, making it nearly impossible for bacteria to develop resistance,” explains Dr. Tommi Pätilä, a cardiac and transplant surgeon. Products like Lumoral, a home-use light-activated therapy, combine antibacterial rinses with targeted light treatment, offering a safer alternative to chemical antiseptics like chlorhexidine (CHX), which poses a risk of bacterial resistance.
Prioritizing prevention over treatment
Experts emphasize preventive dental care, especially for conditions like periodontitis, which affects nearly half of the global adult population. Left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss and systemic health risks such as heart disease. Professor Timo Sorsa from the University of Helsinki advocates for novel, drug-free methods to manage plaque and harmful bacteria.
“Antibacterial therapies like Lumoral enhance oral hygiene and reduce the need for antibiotics, lowering the risk of resistance and side effects,” Sorsa said. He calls for integrating such innovations into long-term dental care strategies, reducing reliance on systemic antibiotics.
Global efforts to address AMR
Efforts to combat AMR must include widespread education, better adherence to prescribing guidelines, and support for innovative treatments. Preventive dental care is particularly vital for high-risk individuals prone to systemic infections.
With AMR threatening global health, initiatives like WAAW remind healthcare professionals and the public of the importance of innovation and responsible antibiotic use to safeguard future generations.
