The source of gum disease is an infection caused by the bacteria in the mouth. Like many infections, gum disease can be treated with an antibiotic. Arestin is an antibiotic that is used by your dental professional and is placed directly into the infected areas or pockets in your gums to deliver a site-specific medication. Arestin is a yellow powder that contains tiny microspheres of the antibiotic drug, Minocycline. Over time, this medication is working down at the base of the pocket to help kill the disease-causing bacteria. A pocket that measures 5mm and higher with bleeding upon a thorough screening of the gums would indicate the need for this medication.
Infections in the gums don’t go away on their own. The bacteria that cause the infections can be passed to other people. The longer you wait for treatment, the worse the gum disease can get, and the greater chance you could need gum surgery or risk losing the tooth. Gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults in the United States. Arestin helps fight the bacteria that causes gum disease. Ask your dental professional about Arestin and how it could help you.
– from Tricia H. (Dental Hygienist)