|
Name
|
What It Is
|
Why It’s Used
|
How It’s Used
|
|
Colgate Total
triclosan
and fluoride toothpaste
|
Over-the-counter toothpaste containing the antibacterial
triclosan
|
The antibacterial ingredient reduces plaque and resulting gingivitis. The
fluoride protects against cavities.
|
Used like a regular toothpaste
|
|
Peridex or generic
chlorhexidine mouth rinse
|
Prescription mouth rinse containing an anti-microbial called
chlorhexidine
|
To control bacteria, resulting in less plaque and gingivitis
|
Used like a regular mouthwash
|
|
Periochip
|
A tiny piece of gelatin filled with chlorhexidine
|
To control bacteria and reduce the size of periodontal pockets
|
Chip is placed in the pockets after root planing, where the medicine is
slowly released over time.
|
|
Atridox
|
A gel that contains the antibiotic doxycycline
|
To control bacteria and reduce the size of periodontal pockets
|
Placed in pockets after scaling and root planing. Antibiotic is released
slowly over a period of about seven days.
|
|
Actisite
|
Thread-like fiber that contains the antibiotic tetracycline
|
To control bacteria and reduce the size of periodontal pockets
|
These fibers are placed in the pockets. The medicine is released slowly
over 10 days. The fibers are then removed.
|
|
Arestin microspheres
|
Tiny round particles that contain the antibiotic minocycline
|
To control bacteria and reduce the size of periodontal pockets
|
Microspheres placed into pockets after scaling and root planing.
Particles release minocycline slowly over time.
|
|
Periostat
|
A low dose of the medication doxycycline that keeps destructive enzymes
in check
|
To hold back the body’s enzyme response—if not controlled, certain
enzymes can break down bone and connective tissue.
|
This medication is in pill form. It is used in combination with scaling
and root planing
|
Pharyngitis.
This is an inflammation in the area at the back of the mouth known as the
Pharynx as usually occurs because of a virus.
This is the same area where you begin to feel a slight “scratchiness” at
the onset of a cold or flu. The bacteria involved can lead to more serious streptococcus,
commonly known as “strep throat.” If it progresses it can be highly contagious and because
it is bacterial it will produce bad breath.
Poor dental hygiene.
We have discussed some of the leading causes of bad breath, but nothing
matches poor dental hygiene as a leading cause of bad breath.
Lack of brushing, flossing and regular checkups are the most important
weapon for ridding oneself of bad breath and preventing more serious conditions from developing.
Sinusitis.
This is an inflammation of the sinuses, with or without pus and can carry
along with it not only bad breath but a terrible taste in the mouth.
Tobacco smoking.
Tobacco smoking encourages growth of bacteria by drying the
mouth. As we discussed previously, dry mouth is one of the leading causes of bad
breath.
Zenker's diverticulum.
This is not a “common” cause, but does exist and can be very serious if
not treated. It involves the perforation of the esophageal mucous membrane and does cause bad
breath.
|