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Curious about whether antibiotics have the power to cure gum disease? It's a pressing question as we strive to improve treatments for this common dental issue. Antibiotics work by targeting the bacteria that cause gum inflammation and infection. They are available in forms like oral tablets, mouth rinses or medications applied directly to affected areas.
The question arises: can antibiotics effectively cure gum disease?
Why are antibiotics necessary to cure gum disease?
Good oral hygiene is crucial for maintaining healthy gums and teeth. Poor oral hygiene can lead to bacterial infections that affect the gum line, often resulting in bad breath and other symptoms of gum disease.
In its early stage, gum disease may cause the gums to bleed when you brush and floss but if left untreated, it can progress to advanced periodontitis. This severe form of gum disease can lead to bone loss and loose teeth. Understanding the causes of gum disease and seeking timely gum disease treatment are essential steps to prevent further damage to your oral health.
Mild gum disease treatment can often be managed at home with strict oral care routines and the use of antimicrobial mouthwashes. However, these methods may not suffice for more advanced cases. Antibiotics become necessary, particularly in conjunction with professional deep cleaning, for moderate to severe instances of gum disease. Here's how to treat gum disease.
As gum disease progresses, dentists typically recommend scaling and root planing. Scaling removes plaque and tartar from both above and below the gumline, while root planing smooths the roots of the teeth afterward.
However, certain bacteria can penetrate deep into gum pockets where regular cleaning struggles to reach. These bacteria evade removal by hiding in gum tissue and other inaccessible areas, contributing to the worsening of gum disease over time. To tackle this challenge, dentists may prescribe antibiotics as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It's crucial to use antibiotics judiciously, ensuring they are necessary and complemented by thorough professional dental care.
Which types of antibiotics are used for gum disease?
Your dentist may suggest using one of two types of antibiotics to treat gum disease, that is oral or topical.
Oral Antibiotics: These are taken by mouth and work throughout your entire body. They target the bacteria responsible for gum disease wherever they are found, making them suitable for more severe cases or infections that could potentially spread to other parts of your body. Examples include Tetracycline, Azithromycin, Metronidazole, Amoxicillin and Clindamycin.
Topical Antibiotics: They are directly administered to the affected area in the gums in the form of gels, strips or chips. They can be particularly effective when used following deep cleaning procedures like root planing and scaling. Topical antibiotics focus on eliminating bacteria precisely where the infection is located, which is highly effective for treating specific areas in your mouth and controlling bacterial growth. Examples include Atridox, Periochip, Actisite, Elyzol and Arestin.
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Can antibiotics cure gum disease on their own?
Antibiotics can effectively treat gum disease, but they aren't sufficient on their own. While they can reduce bacteria, they often can't eliminate all of it, which can leave some behind and potentially lead to a recurrence of infection.
For individuals with mild gum disease, professional dental cleaning such as scaling and root planing alone typically treats the condition effectively without needing additional antibiotics. However, for patients with severe gum disease characterised by deep gum pockets or positive tests for aggressive bacteria under the gums, combining antibiotics with scaling and root planing is more effective.
Studies have shown that bacteria hiding within dental plaque beneath the gums can be resistant to antibiotics. This highlights the importance of thoroughly cleaning the teeth first to mechanically disrupt the plaque, before beginning antibiotic treatment. It's important to remember that antibiotics should always be part of a comprehensive treatment plan, not the sole solution.
Conclusion
To sum up, while antibiotics are important for tackling gum disease by targeting harmful bacteria, they aren't a complete solution on their own. Effective treatment relies on thorough and consistent dental care practices such as scaling and root planing, which physically remove plaque and tartar.
Ready for a comprehensive gum health check up with us? Just drop us a message here to book an appointment.
References
- Walters J, Lai PC. Should Antibiotics Be Prescribed to Treat Chronic Periodontitis? Dent Clin North Am. 2015 Oct;59(4):919-33. doi: 10.1016/j.cden.2015.06.011. Epub 2015 Aug 1. PMID: 26427574; PMCID: PMC4592514.
- Mombelli A, Samaranayake LP. Topical and systemic antibiotics in the management of periodontal diseases. Int Dent J. 2004 Feb;54(1):3-14. doi: 10.1111/j.1875-595x.2004.tb00246.x. PMID: 15005467.