Current dental chemotherapeutics, Part 2.

Periodontal diseases are the result of bacterial infections. Antimicrobial and other chemotherapeutic agents are effective adjuncts to mechanical therapy in helping practitioners limit the progression of disease. Topical antimicrobials used as mouthrinses can control supragingival plaque. Studies demonstrate that irrigation devices enhance the effectiveness of antimicrobials. Antibiotics have been shown to be of value in treating juvenile periodontitis, and rapidly advancing and refractory periodontitis. The use of tetracyclines to promote healing by stabilizing collagen and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and prostaglandin inhibitors offer promise for controlling periodontal disease.