Health Library Antibiotics/Antimicrobials for Gum DiseaseFrom Healthwise

Sustained-release antibiotics

Antibiotics kill bacteria. Since plaque contains bacteria, antibiotics will reduce the amount of plaque in your mouth, reversing gum disease and allowing your gums to heal.

Dentists prescribe antibiotics in different forms to treat gum disease. They can be applied directly on the gums (topical), swallowed as pills or capsules, swished around on your teeth as mouthwash, or inserted into the pockets of advanced gum disease. Some medicated toothpastes contain an antibacterial ingredient that reduces plaque and gingivitis when used regularly. Ask your dentist if this type of product would benefit you.

• Antibiotic mouthwash may be prescribed for use after brushing and flossing to reduce bacteria in your mouth.
• Topical antibiotics may be prescribed to treat early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) that cannot be slowed by improving brushing and flossing habits.
• Topical antibiotics may be prescribed to treat mild forms of advanced gum disease (periodontitis).
• Sustained-release antibiotics may be inserted into the gum pocket for periodontitis.
• Antibiotic pills or capsules may be prescribed to treat moderate to severe periodontitis.

If antibiotic treatment is combined with proper brushing and flossing habits, gum disease can sometimes be stopped, and gums will become pink and healthy again.

Some possible side effects of antibiotic pills include:

• Shortness of breath.
• Puffiness or swelling around the face.
• Rash.
• Bad taste in the mouth.
• Upset stomach.
• Diarrhea.

Sometimes switching to a different medicine will reduce or eliminate these side effects.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

Antibiotic mouthwashes should not be swallowed but swished around in your mouth and then spit out.

Bacteria that cause disease can become resistant to medications used to treat those diseases or illnesses. When this happens, the medications are no longer effective at killing or controlling the bacteria that cause the disease. Be sure to take antibiotics exactly as they are prescribed and for the exact amount of time prescribed, and never use leftover antibiotics for a different illness.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Jeannette Curtis	Last Updated: August 24, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Steven K. Patterson, BSc, DDS, MPH - Dentist
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