Described herein are glass, ceramic, or glass-ceramic articles having improved antimicrobial efficacy. Further described are methods of making and using the improved articles. The improved articles generally include a glass, ceramic, or glass-ceramic substrate, a compressive stress layer that extends inward from a surface of the glass, ceramic, or glass-ceramic substrate to a first depth therein, and an antimicrobial agent-containing region that extends inward from the surface of the glass, ceramic, or glass-ceramic substrate to a second depth therein.