Host Modulatory Therapy: A Novel Approach in Periodontal Therapy

Abstract

Although bacterial plaque is primary etiologic factor in the initiation and progression of periodontal diseases, the host's reactions to the presence of the bacteria are the one which mediates the periodontal tissue destruction. The periodontal tissue destruction is believed to be due to the host response, it is logical to consider therapeutic approaches that modulate the host response in addition to antibacterial and analgesic approaches in the management of periodontal diseases. A number of host modulatory agents like chemically modified tetracyclines (CMT), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and bisphosphonates are effective in treating periodontal diseases in adjunct to the nonsurgical and surgical periodontal therapy. This paper reviews the Host Modulatory Therapy which is the effective means when used as an adjunct to mechanical periodontal therapy in treating periodontal diseases.