(BPT) - World Series Champion and 3-time American League MVP Alex Rodriguez (aka A-Rod) knows how important it is to prioritize your oral health. That's why, upon receiving a gum disease diagnosis over a year ago, he knew he needed to act fast.

'I realized I needed to prioritize my oral health once I was diagnosed with gum disease, which is a chronic bacterial infection,' Rodriguez says. 'You can't simply brush or floss away an infection, which can impact the gums and bone that support your teeth and may lead to tooth loss.'

Rodriguez is one of many impacted by gum disease, which affects nearly 50% of people over 30 years old. Gum disease typically presents with oral health symptoms, such as red, bleeding, swollen, or receding gums.

'Since my diagnosis, I've learned gum disease can be serious,' explains Rodriguez, 'which is why I have remained proactive in the management of my condition.'

Rodriguez's Game Plan

Rodriguez's dentist began treating him with ARESTIN® (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, an antibiotic applied directly to the gums that is used in combination with scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures to treat patients with adult periodontitis (gum disease). ARESTIN may be used as part of an overall oral health program that includes good brushing and flossing habits and SRP.

Rodriguez's dentist discussed ARESTIN's safety profile with him and explained that he should not take ARESTIN if he's allergic to minocycline or tetracyclines and offered to share a list of these drugs if he was not sure. His dentist shared that swelling of the face, itching of the skin, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes have been reported with the use of ARESTIN and some of those reactions were serious. His dentist requested that Rodriguez share if he experiences any signs of allergic reaction, such as skin reactions or trouble breathing, or if he has an exaggerated sunburn reaction. He also directed him to the full Prescribing Information for more.

"Since starting treatment, I have felt more at ease,' Rodriguez says. 'Knowing my dentist is doing everything he can to manage my gum disease and reduce the risks associated with it gives me peace of mind.'

While gum disease can't be cured, it can be managed with regular in-office monitoring, treatment, and at-home care. Rodriguez, for example, drawing from the discipline of his baseball career, maintains a rigorous oral care routine, maintaining a consistent flossing and brushing schedule. What's more, he never misses a dentist visit, stopping by every three months.

And while some may worry about going to the dentist, Rodriguez says not to stress.

'The treatment application at the site of infection is easy with ARESTIN and doesn't require any needles or anesthesia. My dentist has walked me through every step of my treatment plan, so I know exactly what to expect every time I visit.'

Spreading awareness about gum disease and encouraging others to prioritize their oral health is important to Rodriguez. Here's his advice:

1. Gum disease can be serious. Treat your gum disease as a serious infection and not something that can be ignored or solved by brushing or flossing alone.
2. Know the signs. Be proactive and talk to your dentist if you think you are experiencing any signs of gum disease, like bleeding, red, swollen, or receding gums, or bad breath. Check out ARESTIN.com for a discussion guide that provides questions to ask during your next trip to the dentist.
3. Routine and discipline. It is important to stick to a long-term plan, which includes visiting your dentist for routine check-ups.

Visit ARESTIN.com to learn more about gum disease and talk to your dentist about what treatment options may be right for you.

Review the Important Safety Information and the full Prescribing Information for ARESTIN.

What is ARESTIN?

ARESTIN (minocycline HCl) Microspheres, 1mg is used in combination with scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures to treat patients with adult periodontitis (gum disease). ARESTIN® may be used as part of an overall oral health program that includes good brushing and flossing habits and SRP.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

• Do not take ARESTIN if you are allergic to minocycline or tetracyclines. Ask your dentist or pharmacist for a list of these drugs if you are not sure. Swelling of the face, itching of the skin, fever and enlarged lymph nodes have been reported with the use of ARESTIN. Some of these reactions were serious. Tell your dentist right away if you have any signs of allergic reaction, such as skin reactions or trouble breathing, or if you have an exaggerated sunburn reaction.
  
  
• THE USE OF TETRACYCLINE CLASS DRUGS, INCLUDING ARESTIN, DURING TOOTH DEVELOPMENT MAY CAUSE PERMANENT DISCOLORATION OF THE TEETH, AND THEREFORE SHOULD NOT BE USED IN CHILDREN OR IN PREGNANT OR NURSING WOMEN.
  
  
• ARESTIN has not been studied in patients with weakened immune systems (such as patients with HIV infections or diabetes, or those receiving chemotherapy or radiation). Tetracyclines, including oral minocycline, have been associated with the development of autoimmune syndrome with symptoms such as joint pain, muscle pain, rash, swelling, fever, enlarged lymph nodes, and general body weakness. Tell your doctor about any health problems you have, including whether you have had oral candidiasis ('thrush') in the past, and about all medications you are taking.
  
  
• In clinical studies, the most frequently reported non-dental side effects were headache, infection, flu symptoms, and pain.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Visit ARESTIN.com/PI for full Prescribing Information.

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Source: Bausch Health US, LLC