Blocking periodontal disease progression with anti-inflammatory agents.

Recent advances in the identification of specific immuno-inflammatory pathways of periodontal disease have encouraged investigators to attempt to modulate some of these host responses in an attempt to slow the periodontal disease process. Some of the best known mediators of these immuno-inflammatory pathways are prostaglandins. The action of prostaglandins can be inhibited through the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This review examines research over the last two decades during which the effect of several NSAIDs on the progression of gingival inflammation and alveolar bone loss was explored.