The disclosure relates to a method for treating or preventing periodontal disease, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. The method may comprise providing an antimicrobial 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 an oral cavity surface dispensing said antimicrobial composition through said applicator onto said exterior surface of said applicator applying the antimicrobial composition to the oral cavity surface and rubbing said applicator onto said oral cavity surface and exerting pressure towards said oral cavity surface.