The present invention relates to promoting whole body health in humans and animals by using topical oral compositions comprising a safe and effective amount of a host-response modulating agent in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, said compositions being effective in mediating host reaction to the presence of periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity as well as the toxins and endotoxins released by these pathogens and the inflammatory cytokines and mediators prompted by these oral pathogens.