• Chlorhexidine (Peridex^®, PerioGard^®) – Prescription antibacterial mouthwash frequently used to treat gum inflammation. Controls bacteria, resulting in less plaque and gingivitis.^9,15
• Periochip^® – Tiny piece of gelatin filled with chlorhexidine. Used to control bacteria and reduce the size of periodontal pockets. Chip is placed in the pockets after root planning, where the medicine is slowly released over time.¹⁵
• Tetracyclines – This group of antibiotics deplete many good bacteria such as B. bifidum and L. acidophilus, as well as nutrients: biotin, calcium, inositol, iron, magnesium, vitamins B-1, B-2, B-3, B-6, B-12, and K. Common side effects of these depletions are diarrhea as well as yeast overgrowth in the intestines, mouth, and vagina. This overgrowth can further inhibit the digestion and absorption of nutrients and cause a weakening of the immune system. A depleted level of calcium causes osteoporosis, heart/blood pressure irregularities, and tooth decay. Depletion of magnesium causes cardiovascular problems, asthma, cramps, and PMS. A lack of iron leads to anemia, weakness, fatigue, hair loss, and brittle nails.¹⁵ The following medications are the most often prescribed:
  • Atridox^® – Gel that contains the antibiotic doxycycline. Used to control bacteria and reduce the size of periodontal pockets. Placed in pockets after scaling and root planning. Antibiotic is released slowly over a period of about seven days.¹⁵
  • Actisite^® – Thread-like fiber that contains the antibiotic tetracycline. Used to control bacteria and reduce the size of periodontal pockets. These fibers are placed in the pockets. The medicine is released slowly over 10 days. The fibers are then removed.¹⁵
  • Arestin microspheres^® – Tiny round particles that contain the antibiotic minocycline. Used to control bacteria and reduce the size of periodontal pockets. Microspheres placed into pockets after scaling and root planning. Particles release minocycline slowly over time.¹⁵
  • Periostat^® – A low dose of the medication doxycycline that keeps destructive enzymes in check. Used to hold back the body’s enzyme response—if not controlled, certain enzymes can break down bone and connective tissue. This medication is in pill form. It is used in combination with scaling and root planning.¹⁵

Warning about Antibiotics: Antibiotics, especially broad-spectrum antibiotics, will destroy all of the bacteria—both good and bad—in the intestinal tract. You should avoid antibiotics as much as possible and reserve their use for life-threatening situations only. For those times when you must take an antibiotic, you should supplement with heavy and extended use of probiotics (good bacteria) to recolonize the intestinal tract.

Antifungal medications – Used if periodontitis is caused or amplified by the presence of a fungus:

• Nystatin^® – A drug generally used to treat fungal infections of the intestinal tract. Most effective for fungal-related periodontal disease when taken systemically and topically. Rare side effects include diarrhea, upset stomach, stomach pain, and skin rash. It is not known to deplete any nutrients.^14,15
• Diflucan^® – Considered by many doctors as the best overall antifungal medication. It can be taken intravenously or by mouth. It is not known to deplete any nutrients.¹⁵
• Nizoral^® – Can be administered orally or topically and is not known to deplete any nutrients. However, Nizoral does interfere with the adrenal hormones, cortisol and DHEA, which may produce feelings of weakness and fatigue.¹⁵
• Sporanox^® – An oral antifungal. It is not known to deplete any nutrients.¹⁵

Surgery – May be required in severe cases of periodontal disease.

Additional Information about Periodontal Disease

1. Periodontal Disease Overview
2. Common symptoms of periodontal disease
3. Common causes of periodontal disease
4. Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for periodontal disease
5. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of periodontal disease
6. Cited Sources and Additional Reading for periodontal disease