Maintenance phase of periodontal therapy.

Microorganisms play a primary role in the etiology of periodontal disease. Inadequate or no treatment permits progressive destruction of the periodontium. Periodontal destruction can be prevented in the presence of some plaque and gingival inflammation provided there are efforts at oral hygiene and frequent prophylaxis. An optimal time interval for prophylaxis and instructions in oral hygiene, after periodontal therapy, appears to be 3 months. Ongoing repetitive instructions in oral hygiene appear to be the only way to achieve and maintain significantly increased levels of oral cleanliness. Two-week intervals between prophylaxis, if feasible, seem to provide superior maintenance for periodontal health after therapy. Similar intervals between prophylaxes in school children--again, if feasible--virtually eliminate gingivitis.