Defensins are small cationic peptides. These peptides have been reported to function as antimicrobial agents against Gram- negative and Gram- positive bacteria, fungi and viruses. Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria, and bacterial plaque is the initial factor of periodontal disease. In this review, we describe the distribution and function of defensins in periodontium, and emphasize on their characterization during the process of periodontal disease.
