Using antimicrobial agents to manage periodontal diseases

Article Abstract:

Periodontal diseases are bacterial infections of the tissues that support the teeth. Often treated by reducing inflammation and controlling plaque build-up, such conditions can lead to the loss of teeth. In some cases, erosion of the gums continues even when treatment undertaken. One approach to treating difficult cases is to use antibiotic drugs. A review is presented of the microbiology of periodontal disease and the effectiveness of drug treatment. Most periodontal disease is the result of infection by a few organisms: these include Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Bacteroides forsythus, Prevotella intermedia, and others. Virulence and colonization patterns are varied among these species, reducing the success of mechanical therapy, which involves scraping and removing tissue. Refractory periodontal disease is periodontal disease that progresses in spite of mechanical therapy, probably because pathogenic agents invade gum or other tissues. Systemic antibiotics may be necessary for infections with such organisms, although they are not a substitute for mechanical treatment. A table is presented to show the antibiotic susceptibility of periodontal organisms. Ciprofloxacin is a new antibiotic often used to treat refractory periodontal disease, and several pathogens are sensitive to this drug. Treatment regimens are outlined, with appropriate references in the dental literature. The side effects of these antimicrobial drugs are also described. The results of research that has tested the effectiveness of the local application of antimicrobial drugs is discussed. Ultrasonic surgical methods using simultaneous irrigation with a bactericidal solution are effective in some cases. The course of treatment for patients with advanced dental disease is reviewed. When active therapy stops, a maintenance or supportive therapy program is prescribed and plaque control is monitored. Future research efforts will focus on therapies to regenerate lost periodontal tissues. Such methods could involve root conditioning and the application of growth factors. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Evaluation, Infection, Antibiotics, Drug therapy, Mouth, Stomatognathic system

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Effects of smoking and smoking cessation on healing after mechanical periodontal therapy

Article Abstract:

Smokers may heal more slowly after periodontal therapy than non-smokers. Researchers gave detailed mouth examinations to 143 people with periodontal disease who were treated with scaling and root planing. These are mechanical techniques that remove all dental plaque below the gumline. Sixty of the patients were smokers and 55 were former smokers. Current smokers healed more slowly and had greater amounts of bacteria in the pocket between the teeth and gums. Former smokers had the same healing rates as non-smokers.

Health aspects, Care and treatment, Analysis, Smoking, Healing

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Bone health and oral health

Article Abstract:

The effects of osteoporosis on periodontal diseases are presented. The methods to prevent osteoporosis are also discussed.

United States, Prevention, Complications and side effects, Development and progression, Osteoporosis

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