Methods, devices and composition are disclosed for treating oral, skin and
nail diseases, including inflammatory periodontal disease, onychomycosis
and dermatophytosis. In a preferred embodiment a method for treating
oral, skin and nail infections comprises administering a photosensitizing
compound in long term effect or timed release formulations, including
local highly concentrated formulations, and activating the
photosensitizer with radiation to selectively destroy bacteria, fungi and
other microbial bodies. In another preferred embodiment, photosensitizers
are housed within nanoparticles, and can be gradually released through
biodegradation or periodically released by such processes as brushing,
irradiation and chemically induced release. The diffusion speed of the
photosensitizers can be accelerated by brushing. In another embodiment,
the photosensitizer molecule is also modified to more effectively target
the molecule to the unwanted oral bacterial and fungal species. In
another embodiment devices for treating oral, skin and nail infections
includes a laser radiation source and delivery apparatuses such as brush
or teethed comb for nail and scalp infections respectively.