How Do Dental Antimicrobials Work?

Dentists use antimicrobials to treat tooth infections. Tetracyclines are the most commonly used antibiotics to treat dental infections. They only work against bacterial infections and never against viral infections. Tetracyclines interfere with the bacteria’s ability to produce certain vital proteins that are beneficial for bacterial growth. Thus, rather than killing bacteria, they inhibit their growth.

Dentists use antimicrobials for:

• Periodontitis (inflammation of the tissue around the teeth)
• Dental procedures

The side effects of antimicrobials when used for dental purposes include:

• Mouth ulcers
• Dyspepsia
• Pharyngitis (inflammation of the pharynx)
• Mucous membrane disorder (diseases of the mucous membranes)

The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible side effects, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist to make sure these drugs do not cause any harm when you take them along with other medicines. Never stop taking your medication and never change your dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.

Generic and brand names of dental antimicrobial drugs include:

• Arestin
• Minocycline dental