Antibiotics in Periodontal Therapy: To Use or Not To Use?

Abstract

Periodontal disease is a group of multifactorial and multimicrobial conditions that if left untreated will lead to deterioration of periodontal health and tooth loss. Classical way to treat periodontal disease usually starts with oral hygiene instruction and mechanical debridement, which could be followed by surgical intervention in severe cases. Prescription of antibiotics in combination with periodontal treatment is a routine practice nowadays especially in treating aggressive periodontitis or acute periodontal conditions. Growing knowledge about the undesirable side effects, bacterial resistant and the potential of antibiotics to compromise beneficial oral flora, in addition to accumulating evidence that suspect their actual role as integral method to support periodontal treatment. This necessities the search for safer more biologically compatible approach to support conventional periodontal treatment.