Host Modulation Agents In Periodontology

Host modulation is a new term incorporated in our dental vocabulary.Mechanical debridement along with antimicrobial therapy is one of the mainstays in periodontal treatment strategies. It was recognized that although there is evidence that specific bacterial pathogens initiate pathogenesis of disease, the host response to these pathogens is equally important in mediating connective tissue breakdown and bone loss.Various destructive enzymes and inflammatory mediators are involved in destruction. These are elevated in case of periodontal destruction. Host modulation aims at bringing these enzymes and mediators to normal level. Doxycycline, NSAIDs, bisphosphonates, nitrous oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors, omega-3 fatty acid etc are some of the therapeutic agents that have host modulation properties.This shift in paradigm of concentration on host response has led to the development of host modulatory therapies, which could improve therapeutic outcomes, slow the progression of disease, allow for more predictable management of patients, and possibly even work as preventive agents against the development of periodontitis.