Antibiotics may not be the most effective way to treat periodontal diseases, according to a new study. According to the study in the Journal of Periodontology, photodynamic therapy (PDT) could be a more effective way of treating the bacteria associated with periodontal diseases. Researchers at São Paulo State University, Brazil, found that using PDT was effective in minimising the destruction of periodontal tissue which can accompany treatment for periodontal diseases. In a rat population, PDT did minimal damage to periodontal tissues, in comparison to other techniques including scaling and root planing and antibiotic therapy.

Study author Dr Valdir Gouveia Garcia, from the Department of Periodontology at the university said, 'We found that PDT is significantly less invasive than other treatments for periodontal diseases. It can provide improved dentine hypersensitivity, reduced inflammation of the tissues surrounding the teeth, and allows tissues to repair faster.'