The disclosure relates to a method for treating or preventing periodontal disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. The method may comprise the steps of a) providing a composition disposed within a reservoir, the reservoir being fluidly connected to an exterior surface of an applicator having a frictional stress value sufficient to cause mechanical displacement of a biofilm present on a surface of the tooth, or comprising pores having a diameter of 0.1-1000 μm, or both, b) dispensing the composition through the applicator onto the exterior surface of the applicator, and c) applying the composition to an oral cavity surface.