Povidone‐Iodine's Effects and Role in the Management of Periodontal Diseases: A Review

This review article addresses the effects of povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) and its utility in the treatment of periodontal diseases. There are data to support the following statements: PVP‐I is a potent antiseptic and, when used as a component in a rinse with H 2 O 2 , the rinse can decrease the level of gingivitis. With regards to patients with adult periodontitis, there is some evidence to indicate that PVP‐I delivered via an ultrasonic device achieves better results in deep pockets than ultrasonic debridement when water is the irrigant. The benefits of PVP‐I in the treatment of refractory periodontitis are unclear. Subgingival irrigation with PVP‐I may reduce the incidence of bacteremia if it is employed as a pre‐procedural intrasulcular irrigant; however, this technique is not recommended for high‐risk patients. PVP‐I is a safe antiseptic and does not appear to impede wound healing or induce resistant bacteria. It is an approved drug whose intraoral use is an unlabeled indication. In conclusion, the literature suggests that utilization of PVP‐I is potentially beneficial in the management of some periodontal diseases. However, additional clinical trials are needed to verify this assessment, since it is based upon a limited number of studies J Periodontol 1999; 70:1397‐1405.