Corticosteroids are useful drugs for the management of many dental and oral inflammatory conditions. Their use must be based on a complete medical and medication history plus an accurate diagnosis of the dental or oral condition, as they should not be used when an infection is present or is likely to occur. Corticosteroids can be used intradentally (within a tooth), topically or systemically. The most effective route of administration should be chosen; this usually means using a locally delivered form of the drug rather than a systemically delivered form wherever possible. Thus, intradental or topical corticosteroids are preferred as they place the drug at the site of required action, which results in more rapid onset of action and less chance of systemic effects.