How gum infections happen

Periodontal (gum) disease is very common

Everyone’s mouth contains the bacteria that cause gum disease. That’s why it’s the most common chronic bacterial infection in adults. In fact, the majority of adults in the United States have it. With regular checkups and good daily oral hygiene, it’s possible to keep this infection under control. Since early gum disease symptoms are often mild, many people are not aware of their condition until it becomes more serious.

Plaque is a sticky film made of bacteria, mucus, and food. It builds up on teeth over time.

Plaque build up causing gum inflammation

Untreated, gum disease can lead to serious problems.

Plaque is the root of the problem

Over time, a film (plaque) builds up on your teeth. A major cause of tooth decay, plaque is a sticky substance made of bacteria, mucus, and food on the exposed parts of your teeth. Over time, plaque can harden and become trapped at the base of the tooth.

A buildup can lead to gum infection

Once plaque hardens on your teeth, it’s known as tartar or calculus. Plaque and tartar can harm your gums if they are not removed. This can lead to inflamed and infected gums, also known as gingivitis.

Left untreated, gum disease may progress

The infection can create deep pockets (gaps) or cause your gums to recede or pull back. This exposes the roots of your teeth and allows bacteria to grow below the gumline. Over time, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may need to be removed.

Why would you use an antibiotic to treat periodontal (gum) disease?

Bacteria are the cause of gum disease. And antibiotics kill bacteria. Scaling and root planing (SRP) removes a great deal of the bacteria that cause periodontal infection. But this procedure can't reach the bacteria that hide in the bottom of pockets. That's why your dental professional may decide to add a locally administered antibiotic (LAA) such as ARESTIN^®.

Learn about the symptoms of gum diseaseContinue

INDICATION
ARESTIN^® is indicated as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis. ARESTIN^® may be used as part of a periodontal maintenance program, which includes good oral hygiene and SRP.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
ARESTIN^® should not be used in any patient who has a known sensitivity to minocycline or tetracyclines. The use of drugs of the tetracycline class during tooth development may cause permanent discoloration of the teeth, and therefore should not be used in children or in pregnant or nursing women. Hypersensitivity reactions that included, but were not limited to, anaphylaxis, angioneurotic edema, urticaria, rash, swelling of the face, and pruritus have been reported with the use of ARESTIN^®. In clinical trials, the most frequently reported nondental treatment-emergent adverse events were headache, infection, flu syndrome, and pain.

ARESTIN^® is a registered trademark of OraPharma, Inc.

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