Sub-antimicrobial Dose Doxycycline - Host Modulated Therapy
Sunday, June 11th, 2006Sub-antimicrobial Dose Doxycycline www.periostat.com
Sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD), also known as Host Modulated Therapy, is one of the most effective ways to therapeutically control the chronic inflammation associated with periodontal disease. Host factors contributing to chronic gum inflammation may include genetics, smoking, diabetes, AIDS, hormones, poor diet, medications contributing to periodontitis, and stress.
More about host factors in periodontal disease:
Sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD) 20mg tablet, taken up to twice daily, slows the progression of periodontal disease by suppressing or down-regulating the “over-production” of a destructive enzyme called collagenase. At only 20mg, this low dose of doxycycline puts the body back into balance by reducing inflammation and allowing periodontal health to be restored. When used properly, SDD actually induces and enhances regeneration when combined with perioscopy and regenerative proteins in a unique protocol called RPE.
At this very low dose, it is sub-clinical (sub-antimicrobial dose), meaning it has no effect on the bacteria whatsoever; only the production of the destructive enzyme collagenase is suppressed. The therapeutic benefit of this medication has nothing to do with killing bacteria anywhere in the body, that is not the goal. In addition, there has been no evidence of antibacterial resistance using SDD, even long term.
This medication is powerfully effective at reducing and/or eliminating chronic periodontal inflammation. Thus, it is one of the most valuable tools available in the fight against periodontal disease, especially if there are systemic host factors which cannot be controlled, such as a genetic hyper-inflammatory immune response.
Other benefits of taking SDD daily include keeping blood sugar levels in check in diabetics, lowering CRP (C-Reactive Protein) levels and cholesterol in patients with chronic periodontitis and cornonary artery disease. SDD is effective in the treatment of rosacea and rheumatoid arthritis.
Preventative periodontal care is about helping a patient to understand what is causing their disease, giving options for treatment, and reasonably predicting long term outcomes. There are host factors which cannot be controlled with all the best intentions. SDD is one of the most powerful tools available to alter the course of periodontal disease safely. Note: this medication is available in generic form to reduce the expense.
excerpts from Journal of Clinical Periodontology 2004 Sept.
Subantimicrobial dose doxycycline as adjunctive treatment for periodontitis. A review.
Preshaw PM, Hefti AF, Jepsen S, Etienne D, Walker C, Bradshaw MH.
School of Dental Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Studies have shown that SDD, when prescribed as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP), results in statistically and clinically significant gains in clinical attachment levels and reductions in probing depths over and above those that are achieved by SRP alone. SRP must be thorough and performed to the highest standard to maximise the benefits of adjunctive SDD.
SDD does not result in antibacterial effects, or lead to the development of resistant strains or the acquisition of multiantibiotic resistance. The frequency of adverse events is low, and does not differ significantly from placebo.
Articles about sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline (SDD):
http://uuhsc.utah.edu/pharmacy/bulletins/doxycycline.html
http://www.natural-hrt.com/artman/publish/article_133.shtml
http://ezinearticles.com/?Low-Dose-Doxycycline-Therapy&id=552971
Published research with sub-antimicrobial dose doxycycline: there are numerous papers published on SDD demonstrating the therapeutic benefits in the treatment of periodontal disease. Click on the links below and browse through additional links there.