Systemic antibiotics

Systemic antibiotics are only helpful in the following periodontal disease situations:

• severe, acute infections
• aggressive disease, e.g. juvenile periodontitis
• progressive periodontitis not responding to debridement
• as a prophylactic measure in those at risk of endocarditis

Systemic antibiotics are not of use in adults with chronic periodontitis.

Suggested antibiotics (antibacterial required for severe disease or disease unresponsive to local treatment):

• metronidazole or doxycycline

Reference:

1. BNF 5.1