Practitioners can help their patients protect their periodontal health with interventions based on an understanding of the bacterial etiology and inflammatory progression of periodontal disease. The process stages include bacterial colonization, biofilm formation, attachment, inflammation, and host response. Available therapies-both mechanical and chemotherapeutic-attempt to break the microbiologic and inflammatory cascade that often progresses to periodontal disease. Among such therapies, oral rinses are the least invasive and can be an effective and patient-friendly method of proactive intervention.