Antibiotics can be used with scaling and root planing, curettage or surgery, or on their own, to reduce bacteria before or after many common gum treatments. Research shows they work very well for acute gum infections, stubborn (refractory) gum disease, and gum disease in children and teens. They may be prescribed at a low dose for longer-term use, or short-term to stop bacteria from returning.
Oral antibiotics
These affect the whole body and are prescribed less often than topical gels.
- Tetracyclines (tetracycline hydrochloride, doxycycline, minocycline): the main antibiotics for gum treatment. They fight bacteria, reduce inflammation and block collagenase, a protein that destroys connective tissue.
- Macrolides: reduce inflammation and bacterial growth.
- Metronidazole: usually combined with amoxicillin or tetracycline for severe or chronic periodontitis.
Gels, chips and strips
Placing the antibiotic directly in the gum pocket avoids affecting the whole body, so these are generally preferred. They work especially well after scaling and root planing.
| Product | How it works |
|---|---|
| Atridox® | A doxycycline gel that hardens over the gums and releases medication over several days |
| PerioChip® | A small chip placed in the pocket after root planing that slowly releases chlorhexidine, a powerful antiseptic. It reduces pocket depth in most cases. |
| Actisite® | A floss-like thread with tetracycline, placed between tooth and gum (sometimes for about 10 days) |
| Elyzol® | A metronidazole gel or strip that also destroys parasites |
| Arestin® | Minocycline microspheres placed in the gums after scaling and root planing |
Most patients see noticeable improvement after antibiotic treatment, and we’ll include it as needed to help your gums heal.