Periostat - a gum disease treatment

How can such a tiny dose of doxycycline help?

Is it ok to take an antibiotic for that long?

How does it work?

When you have gum disease your body tries to fight the bacteria. Inflammation is the result of your body's effort to fix the problem.

If you don't remove the source of the problem...plaque. Inflammation becomes chronic and enzymes that are supposed to destroy bacteria end up destroying your tissue and bone that support your teeth.

Gum disease progresses until there is not enough bone to support your teeth and they are lost.

This prescription medication slows your inflammatory response by decreasing the enzyme collagenase in patients with gum disease.

Studies have shown more improvement in gum pockets when taken after dental scaling and root planning compared to patients who had scaling and root planning alone.

Not recommended for:

• children under age 8
• pregnant or nursing women
• anyone who is allergic to any tetracycline antibiotic

Instructions

• after dental scaling and root planning
• twice a day about 12 hours apart
• close to meal times, one hour prior or two hours after a meal is ideal
• With a full glass of water
• 30 minutes before lying down

If your stomach gets upset, try taking it with some food but avaid taking it with milk or anything containing calcium.

Other brand names:

Side effects:

My opinion:

I like periostat and recommend it for moderate to advanced gum disease. It is especially helpful for clients who smoke.

Even though it is a very low dose it's best to take it for as short a time as possible. Three-six months is ideal.

Medications are helpful but keeping your teeth plaque free by
brushing and flossing is the best long term gum disease treatment.

Every situation is different and this medication may not work in every case. It's important to consult your dentist or dental hygienist.

Source: Rxlist.com
Return from periostat to gum disease treatment.

Return from Periostat to gum-disease-cure home page