You only have one set of adult teeth, and they need to last until you are 80, 90, or beyond. The actions you take towards your teeth today will either benefit you or harm you in the future. Of course, good dental care starts with seeing a dentist regularly. You should go in for cleanings and checkups, and any other time you think something might be amiss with your teeth. Education is important when it comes to any aspect of your health, so start reading the articles on this website to educate yourself about dentists and dental care. We promise that when you're 80 and you still have your teeth, you won't regret the time spent.
The Tooth of the Matter: A Dental Blog
Various Forms Of Medication For Gum Disease
Sofia Curtis
There are various treatments for gum disease. Medication, scaling and polishing, and surgery are some of the treatments that help. The medications come in various forms. Below are some of the various forms of medications the dentist may prescribe for your gum disease.
Antimicrobial Rinse
You use antimicrobial mouth rinses the same way you use mouth rinses, but the antimicrobial rinses are much more powerful than conventional mouth rinses. The antimicrobial mouth rinses contain compounds that reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth. Chlorhexidine is one of the common active ingredients in antimicrobial rinses. The medication is commonly administered among other forms of treatment.
Antibiotic Gel
The antibiotic gel is a slow-release medication that you place on the pockets around your teeth. These pockets often contain numerous bacteria, and the gel will release its antibiotic compounds slowly to kill the bacteria. The application of the gel takes place after a deep cleaning of the gum line to remove bio-debris.
Antiseptic Chip
An antiseptic chip works the same way as an antibiotic gel — it is also a slow-release medicine. The difference is that it comes in the form of a chip rather than a gel. The chip is inserted in the gum pocket after the pockets have been professionally cleaned by the dentist.
Oral Antibiotics
Oral antibiotics are capsules or tablets that you swallow just like other tablet drugs. The oral antibiotics are especially useful for those who are in acute pain due to their gum disease. You probably won't leave the dental office without this prescription if you leave your gum disease treatment too late.
Antibiotic Microspheres
Most forms of gum disease medication are slow-release, and the microspheres also fall in this category. The microspheres are tiny particles of drugs that contain antibiotic chemicals. Just like the gels and chips, the microspheres are placed in the gum pockets after root scaling and planning.
Enzyme Suppressant
Bacteria are not the only thing you need to worry about if you have gum disease. Some of your body's enzymes can attack your gum tissues and break down the tissues. Enzyme suppressant drugs keep the enzymes in check and prevent the destruction of the gum tissues. The enzyme suppressants are usually in the form of a pill that you take orally. The suppressants are also used in conjunction with other forms of treatments or medication.
Note that medication is just one of the treatments for gum disease. Your dentist will prescribe a full treatment regime to keep your gum disease in check; ensure you follow the dentist's instructions to the letter.
For more information, contact a periodontist in your area.
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