Corticosteroids and its use in Dentistry

Corticosteroids are medicines that are similar to the natural hormone cortisol and belong to the family of drugs called steroids. These drugs have wide spread effects which include action on body’s metabolism inflammatory processes and immune system. Corticosteroids now a days come in a variety of sources suitable for treating different conditions. They are referred to as double-edged sword because in addition to their beneficial effects the harmful effects are sometimes life threatening. Thus Oral Diagnosticians should weigh the advantages and disadvantages prior to prescription of steroids.