New Floss Fights Gum Disease: Procter &...

New Floss Fights Gum Disease: Procter & Gamble Co. has begun marketing a drug-impregnated fiber for use in treating gum disease. The fiber looks like ordinary dental floss but contains tetracycline hydrochloride, a drug that treats bacterial infections known to cause gum disease.

The fiber, called actisite, is made by Alza Corp. of Palo Alto. It is designed to be inserted between the tooth and gum for 10 days, during which it releases a steady concentration of the drug directly to diseased tissue. Actisite is not intended for home use, but if inserted by a dental professional, it could make oral surgery unnecessary in many cases, the company said. An early phase of gum disease, gingivitis, can progress to periodontitis and tooth loss if left untreated. Periodontitis affects an estimated 15 million to 20 million Americans, P&G; said.