Responsible use of antimicrobials in periodontics

New products and treatment modalities for the management of periodontal disease continue to offer the clinician a large number of choices, many of which involve antimicrobials. Specific pathogenic bacteria play a central role in the etiology and pathogenesis of destructive periodontal disease. Under suitable conditions, periodontal pathogens colonize the subgingival environment and are incorporated into a tenacious biofilm. Successful prevention and treatment of periodontitis is contingent upon effective control of the periodontopathic bacteria. This is accomplished by professional treatment of diseased periodontal sites and patient-performed plaque control. Attention to community factors, such as water contamination and bacterial transmission among family members, facilitates preventive measures and early treatment for the entire family. Subgingival mechanical debridement, with or without surgery, constitutes the basic means of disrupting the subgingival biofilm and controlling pathogens. Appropriate antimicrobial agents that can be administered systemically (antibiotics) or via local delivery (povidone-iodine) may enhance eradication or marked suppression of subgingival pathogens. Microbiological testing may aid the clinician in the selection of the most effective antimicrobial agent or combination of agents. Understanding the benefits and limitations of antibiotics and antiseptics will optimize their usefulness in combating periodontal infections.