Antibacterial toothpaste

Most of the modern toothpastes, especially those against gum disease, include one or more antibacterial ingredients such as triclosan or peroxide. Only low concentrations of antimicrobial agents are allowed in toothpastes. Their role is to minimize the growth of bacteria for some hours until the next tooth brushing.

Antibacterial mouthwash

Many over the counter mouth rinses for everyday use contain similar antibacterial agents like toothpastes. They are both prescribed by dentists in order to help patients in the prevention of periodontal diseases.

Antibiotic mouthwash

Some mouth rinses contain stronger antibiotic medications such as chlorhexidine. These mouthwashes are prescribed for a short period of time, in order to control the population of bacteria in cases of aggressive periodontitis and prevent infections after tooth scaling and root planing or/and after surgical treatment of periodontal disease.

Antibiotic pills or capsules

Antibiotics are usually prescribed for the treatment of dental abscesses. They may be also prescribed for a period of 7 to 10 days to treat moderate to severe periodontitis.

Local antibiotic therapy

In this form of antimicrobial periodontal treatment the dentist places the antibiotic medication directly into the affected mouth tissues. The material dissolves slowly releasing a controlled dose of the antibiotic for a period of a few days.

There are several types of local antibiotic therapy, including:

• Gel – A gel containing antibiotic is injected into periodontal pockets under the gums and sealed with a periodontal pack which is removed after 7 to 10 days along with any remaining gel.

  • Atridox is such a gel containing doxycycline.

  • Elyzol is a gel applied to the gum that is composed of metronidazole.

• Powder — The dentist places the antibiotic in the form of a powder under the gums. The powder dissolves in about three weeks.

• Chip - Chips containing antibiotic is placed under the gums and into the periodontal pockets. The chip dissolves over 7 to 10 days.

  • Periochip is a small piece of gelatin filled with chlorhexidine.

  • Actisite is a thread-like fiber similar to dental floss that contains tetracycline hydrochloride.

  • Arestin contains tiny round particles with the antibiotic minocycline.

Periostat (Doxycycline)

Periostat is another type of systemic medication, containing doxycycline, that is used in the treatment of gum disease. Doxycycline in low doses has been shown to suppress the overproduction by the immune system of collagenase, an enzyme that destroys the jaw bone and the connective tissues that form the periodontal ligaments that hold teeth in place.

Periostat is taken twice a day for a period up to 12 months. Although doxycycline is an antibiotic, the concentration in Periostat is very low decreasing the risk of bacterial resistance. Periostat can only lower the destructive effects of periodontal disease. Other treatments must be used to eliminate dental plaque and gum infection.