BACKGROUND: Successful prevention and

treatment of periodontitis is contingent upon effective control of the periodontopathic microbiota. Periodontal pathogens reside in deep subgingival sites but also colonize supragingival plaque, tongue dorsum and other oral sites. Antimicrobial agents administered systemically or locally can help suppress periodontal pathogens in periodontal sites and in the entire mouth. MATERIALS AND METODS: Thirty patients with generalized severe chronic periodontitis with 567 periodontal pockets>5mm were included in the presented study. The mechanical periodontal treatment was performed with ultrasonic device P5 Newtron in four visits. Subgingival irrigation of the periodontal pockets in the right two quadrants (split-mouth study) were performed with 10% povidone-iodine solutions. Full mouth periodontal statu