Tetracycline is a broad spectrum antibiotic that is occasionally used in Dentistry to treat bacterial infections. This antibiotic has a natural tendency to concentrate in the gingival fluids around the teeth so it is often used to treat gingivitis and gum disease. It is one of the first choices for the treatment of ANUG. Some of the trade names are Achromycin V, Sumycin, Tetracyn; Tetralysal 300, Panmycin, Brodspec and Tetracap. This antibiotic is not recommended for use in women who are pregnant. It can affect the development of the unborn child's bones and teeth so it is very important if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, that you inform Dr. Padolsky immediately.

          Tetracycline also concentrates in the sinus fluids so it can be used to treat sinus infections. Because a sinus infection is contained within sinus fluid and not within the body itself, a sinus infection can take a lot of time to treat. Typically, antibiotics are prescribed for ten days to two weeks to be effective against sinus problems versus seven days for dental infections.

          Tetracycline is one of the alternatives when a patient is allergic to penicillin. Besides its dental uses, it's also used to treat upper respiratory infections, pneumonia, chronic eye infections, pink eye, gonorrhea, amoebic infections, severe acne, infections of the skin, genital and urinary systems, stomach ulcers, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, typhus, and tick fevers, Lyme disease and antrax.       

      The dentists at the Atlanta Dental Group PC are dedicated to their patients' good health and well being and you are welcome to join our family of patients. If you would like to make an appointment for a consultation with our Atlanta Family Dentist, Dr. Mark Allan Padolsky, call 404-874-7428.