An aqueous based pharmaceutical composition for use as a oral hygienic treatment is described. The composition contains a pharmaceutically effective amount of a tetracycline-based antibiotic; a water-soluble calcium salt that aids in solubilizing the tetracycline-based antibiotic; a thickener; a pH adjustment agent; an antifoaming agent; an excipient; a surfactant; a preservative; and a flavoring agent. A method of making the aqueous based pharmaceutical composition includes the steps of adjusting, defoaming, dispensing, dispersing, dissolving, flavoring, heating, minimizing, pouring, solubilizing, suspending, and sweetening. A method of using the aqueous based pharmaceutical composition is also disclosed which includes the steps of expectorating, gargling, obtaining, pouring, receiving, and swishing.