A clinical comparison of Azithromycin versus Doxycycline in non-surgical periodontal treatment of smokers

Weaker immune system in smokers reduces the favorable response of these patients to both surgical and non-surgical periodontal treatments in comparison with non smokers and ex-smokers. The aim of the present study was to compare the healing of periodontal tissues following phase1 therapy alone, or along with taking Azithromycin or Doxycycline in smokers with chronic periodontitis. In this investigation a total of 45 male smokers with chronic periodontitis were randomly assigned into 3 groups, each containing 15 patients. All patients were initially examined by measuring the periodontal indices, such as Bleeding On Probing (BOP), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), and Probing Depth (PD). The control, group received phase1 therapy only. While the second and third groups received Doxycycline and Azithromycin respectively along with phase1 therapy. The periodontal indices were measured and recorded again after six months. The results showed that, there was a significant difference between all recorded parameters before and after the treatment (P<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference between Doxycycline and Azithromycin groups regarding PD index (P>0.05), but groups receiving antibiotics showed statistically significant reduction in PD compared to control group (P<0.05). The best result for CAL was obtained in Azithromycin group when compared with Doxycycline and control groups. Also, a statistically significant difference was detected between the two antibiotic groups (P<0.05). Furthermore, Doxycycline group showed a statistically significant reduction in CAL in comparison with the control group (P<0.05). Regarding BOP index no statistical significant difference was seen between the results of the 3 groups under investigation (P>0.05). Azithromycin and Doxycycline consumption along with phase 1 therapy may improve the clinical periodontal indices in comparisons with phase1 therapy alone.