It's being billed as the pill for a perfect smile, but Periostat has a much more serious and important purpose, dental experts say. It's the first pill designed to treat gum disease and it could help thousands in danger of losing their teeth.
The drug targets the bacteria caused by gingivitis, an infection common in adults. Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease, which, combined with a buildup of plaque, can eventually make the teeth fall out.
Dental experts say Periostat, which has been approved by federal regulators, goes after the enzyme to blame for the breakdown of gum tissue. The drug is a weakened form of an antibiotic -- just strong enough to suppress the release of the enzyme.
But the pill alone still doesn't do all the work, dentists say. Patients still must brush their teeth regularly and have periodic dental checkups to deal with any hardened plaque.
