Antimicrobials in periodontal practice.

Antimicrobial agents provide an additional means of combating the infective agents encountered in the periodontal diseases. Delivery methods include oral rinses, dentifrices, irrigation, local delivery, and systemic administration. Agents and delivery methods should be selected with the following criteria in mind: 1. The agent must be effective against the organisms present. 2. The agent must reach the desired site of action in appropriate concentration. 3. The agent must remain at the site for a sufficient period of time. When combined with a careful patient assessment and a considered diagnosis, the use of antimicrobial agents may prove to be an important adjunct in total periodontal therapy.