What is the advantage of topically applied medication?
When you use a topically applied medication, the medication is not absorbed into your system. With this method systemic side effects are avoided. Although there is potential for developing resistance when given systemically, a very important advantage of topically applied antibiotics is that the bacteria in your body is not exposed to the medication and therefore will not develop resistance. Lastly, topically applied medication is directed at the infected areas immediately. When medications are taken systemically, it takes time for sufficient medication to reach the mouth, in some cases as long as 10 days. Topical applications are much more efficient. With topically applied medication, 100% of the medication is applied to the gingiva, where as only 10% of the medication becomes available in the oral cavity with systemic applications.
