Microbiology and management of periodontal infections

The term periodontal disease refers to all diseases that involve the supportive structures of the periodontium. Peridontal diseases commonly begin as a gingivitis and progress to periodontitis. Necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (NUG) is the most fulminate form of gingivitis. The two main forms of periodontitis are chronic periodontitis (also known as adult periodontitis) and aggressive periodontitis (also known as early onset periodontitis, destructive periodontitis, and juvenile periodontitis). Gingivitis treatment involves removing dental plaques and maintaining good oral hygiene. Periodontitis therapy should include root debriding, draining the infected root, and surgically resecting inflamed periodontal tissues. Systemic antimicrobials often are indicated in NUG, chronic periodontitis, and aggressive periodontitis. When possible, antimicrobial selection should be based upon culture and susceptibility testing of the subgingival flora.