Fighting gum disease: how to keep your teeth | FDA Consumer | Find ...
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FDA-Approved products for Gum Disease
A number of products are available to control infection and reduce
inflammation.
Name What It Is
Colgate Total Over-the-counter tooth-
triclosan and fluoride paste containing the anti-
toothpaste bacterial triclosan
Peridex or generic Prescription mouth rinse
chlorhexidine mouth containing'an anti-micro-
rinse bial called chlorhexidine
Periochip A tiny piece of gelatin filled
with chlorhexidine
Atridox A gel that contains the anti-
biotic doxycycline
actisite Thread-like fiber that con-
tains the antibiotic tetracy-
cline
Arestin microspheres Tiny round particles that
contain the antibiotic
minocycline
Periostat A low dose of the medica-
tion doxycycline that keeps
destructive enzymes in
check
Name Why It's Used
Colgate Total The antibacterial ingredient
triclosan and fluoride reduces plaque and result-
toothpaste ing gingivitis. The fluoride
protects against cavities.
Peridex or generic To control bacteria, result-
chlorhexidine mouth ing in less plaque and gin-
rinse givitis
Periochip To control bacteria and re-
duce the size of periodon-
tal pockets
Atridox To control bacteria and re-
duce the size of periodon-
tal pockets
actisite To control bacteria and re-
duce the size of periodon-
tal pockets
Arestin microspheres To control bacteria and re-
duce the size of periodon-
tal pockets
Periostat To hold back the body's en-
zyme response--if not con-
trolled, certain enzymes
can break down bone and
connective tissue.
Name How It's Used
Colgate Total Used like a regular tooth-
triclosan and fluoride paste
toothpaste
Peridex or generic Used like a regular mouth-
chlorhexidine mouth wash
rinse
Periochip Chip is placed in the pock-
ets after root planing,
where the medicine is
slowly released over time.
Atridox Placed in pockets after scal-
ing and root planing. Anti-
biotic is released slowly
over a period of about
seven days.
actisite These fibers are placed in
the pockets. The medicine
is released slowly over 10
days. The fibers are then re-
moved.
Arestin microspheres Microspheres placed into
pockets after scaling and
root planing. Particles re-
lease minocycline slowly
over time.
Periostat This medication is in pill
form. It is used in combi-
nation with scaling and
root planing.
