Host modulation and host modulating agents in periodontal therapy.

Specific microorganisms initiate the immune-inflammatory processes that destroy tissue in periodontitis. Recent work has demonstrated, in addition to bacterial control, that modulation of the host immuneinflammatory response is also capable of controlling periodontitis. The concept of host modulation is fairly new to field of dentistry but is universally understood by most physicians who routinely apply the principles of host modulation in the management of various chronic progressive disorders. In dentistry the term was introduced by William and Golub and later on expanded by others in dental profession. This article gives an overview of host modulation and host modulation agents.