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In my mind, there is no doubt about the effectiveness of certain antibiotics
in treating periodontal diseases.  Brian Mealey, DDS, periodontist,
researcher, and speaker on periodontitis and diabetes, says that a course of
doxy when treating a diabetic patient for perio will often help with
bringing the blood glucose level down, as well as benefitting the perio
outcome.

But many of us are uncomfortable with the notion of long term usage of
antibiotics - for any reason.  David, I recommend you read the book "The
Antibiotic Paradox - How the Misuse of Antibiotics Destroys Their Curative
Powers" by Stuart Levy, MD.  It is an eye-opener read!

Also, the April issue of Access magazine contained a compelling article on
antibiotic prophylaxis. Because of all the emerging strains of microbes that
are resistant to ANY antibiotic, there will probably be BIG changes to the
established guidelines.  Here's a quote from Brian Strom, MD, MPH, chair of
biostatistics and epidemiology at U. of Penn.:  "There is no need for
prophylaxis for dental work .   Valve disease is indeed a risk factor - a
strong one.  But one would need antibiotics all year round, as dental work
does not add to the risk.."  Asked how he believes the guidelines should be
altered, he answers succinctly, "They should be eliminated."  He wrote this
because of what he feels is indiscriminate use of antibiotice - all because
of the emergence of new, highly resistant microbes.

Dianne Glasscoe - Periodontal discussion group