This document provides an overview of periodontal dressings. It discusses the history and evolution of periodontal dressings from their introduction in 1918 using iodoform gauze. It describes the ideal properties of dressings and categorizes the main types of dressings as those containing zinc oxide and eugenol, zinc oxide without eugenol, and those containing neither. Specific examples of dressings are outlined within each category along with their compositions and uses. The roles of components like eugenol and properties like bactericidal activity are also summarized.