Periodontal disease is caused by specific types of bacteria. Killing these bacteria can help to prevent and treat the disease.

 

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat an acute gum infection called an abscess. A periodontist also may use antibiotics for some cases of gum disease that are hard to treat. They include:



• Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG), a rare form of periodontal disease that becomes severe very quickly
• Severe forms of periodontitis (advanced gum disease)
• Periodontal disease that has not improved with other types of treatment
• Periodontal disease in people who have weakened immune systems

The type of antibiotic prescribed depends upon the exact type of the bacteria. Several antibiotics have been used to treat aggressive periodontal disease. They include:

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• Penicillins
• Tetracyclines-HCL
• Doxycycline
• Metronidazole
• Ciprofloxacin
• Clindamycin