Periodontal disease
is an infection of the gums caused by a build up of plaque and tartar over time. The condition begins with gingivitis, which is a redness that forms around the teeth and progresses into periodontitis. With periodontitis, the gums pull away from the teeth, forming pockets of infected tissue. Over time, the bacteria will attack the bone structure of the mouth, which could result in loss of teeth. To treat periodontal disease, a combination of cleaning, medication and even surgery may be used. There are five forms that medications for periodontal disease may take, each with its own usage and properties.
Mouth rinses
For mild cases of periodontal diseases, dentists may prescribe an antimicrobial mouth rinse. The rinse contains a drug called chlorhexidine that kills bacteria in the mouth. Most often, it is recommended for patients who are being treated for gingivitis or have just undergone periodontal surgery. These rinses typically contain alcohol as well, which has been a reason for concern for a number of years as people questioned the safety of using a rinse that contained alcohol. In 2006, a study completed by Silverman and Wilder of the American Dental Association proved that the long term use of microbial mouth rinses containing alcohol is safe. The study did show, however, that the success of the treatment depends upon the willingness of the patient to follow the dosage instructions.
Antiseptic Chip
Another treatment for periodontal disease is the antiseptic chip, which is used in cases of periodontitis as an alternative to surgery. The periodontist begins by planing the root of the affected teeth, a process to remove the bacteria that has settled in the pocket formed by the inflamed gum. After the process is complete and the bacteria has been removed, a small piece of gelatin filled with chlorhexidine is inserted into the space between the gums and the teeth. The antiseptic prevents the bacteria from returning, which slowly eases the swelling of the gums until they return their normal shape and position.
Antibiotic Gel
The antibiotic gel is used similarly to an antiseptic chip. A small amount of gel is inserted into the space between the tooth and the gums following planing, The gel then releases small doses of the antibiotic doxycycline in the mouth over the next 7 days. Rather than simply keeping the area clean, the bacteria works to kill any additional bacteria that may have been left behind after the planing or that may enter as the area heals. The antibiotic gel is a popular treatment for patients older than 8 years old, as the medicine is not approved for use in children 7 and under.
Antibiotic Microspheres
Antibiotic Microspheres are delivered in a powder form. Many tiny microspheres are contained in each individual grain of powder. The microspheres contain minocycline, another type of antibiotic. Because the medicine is in powder form, it takes much longer for it to dissolve inside of the mouth, meaning that the antibiotic continues to be effective for three weeks after. The brand of microspheres most commonly prescribed is Aretsin, which the manufacturer reports can cause side effects such as flu and cold-like symptoms.
Enzyme Suppressant
In addition to removing the bacteria that causes periodontal disease, it is also important to decrease the effect of naturally occurring enzymes in the mouth. While necessary to help break down food during chewing, these enzymes can also have the unfortunate effect of attacking gum tissue and bone. In order to allow the affected area to fully heal, the flow of enzymes needs to be temporarily decreased. This is done by taking a medication that contains doxycycline, which suppresses the production of oral enzymes.
