Gum Disease-Medications

Gum Disease - Medications

If brushing and flossing aren't effective in reversing gum disease, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection. Antibiotics can be applied directly on the gums (topical), swallowed as pills or capsules, swished around in your teeth as mouthwash, or inserted into the pockets of advanced gum disease. Your dentist may recommend that you use a medicated toothpaste that contains an antibacterial ingredient that reduces plaque and gingivitis when used regularly.

If used properly, antibiotics safely treat gum disease by giving swollen, infected gums a chance to heal. Practice good dental care during and after treatment so that your teeth and gums stay healthy.

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What to think about

Antibiotics alone usually cannot cure severe gum disease. In some cases, root planing and scaling combined with antibiotics is enough to stop severe gum disease, but surgery may be required.

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Only 18.5% of Americans never floss. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Floss removes food trapped between the teeth and removes the film of bacteria that forms there before it turns to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Try flossing just one tooth to get started.

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily. You are missing out on a simple way to make a big difference in the health of your mouth. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for 3 more days!

You are one of 31% of Americans who don't floss daily, but you're well on your way to making a positive impact on your teeth and gums. Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Aim for all 7 days!

Only 50.5% of Americans floss daily, and good for you that you are one of them! Regardless of how well you brush, plaque still forms between your teeth and along your gums. Toothbrush bristles alone cannot clean effectively between these tight spaces. Flossing removes up to 80% of the film that hardens to plaque, which can cause inflamed gums (gingivitis), cavities, and tooth loss. Congratulations on your good oral health habit!

SOURCES:

American Dental Association, Healthy People 2010

Today in Oral Health