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Chemical control of plaque
1Dental School, University of Newcastle upon Tyne.
Dental Update
|October 1, 1990
Summary
Controlling dental plaque, a major cause of gingivitis and caries, requires a 99.9% reduction in oral microbes. This review examines chemical agents for plaque control, as mechanical cleaning alone is insufficient.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Microbiology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Dental plaque is the primary cause of gingivitis and dental caries.
- Mechanical tooth cleaning alone is insufficient to achieve the necessary 99.9% reduction in oral microbial load for significant plaque control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the efficacy and mechanisms of action of currently available chemical agents for controlling dental plaque.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of chemical plaque control strategies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of scientific articles and clinical studies on chemical plaque control agents.
- Analysis of the efficacy and modes of action of various anti-plaque chemical compounds.
Main Results:
- The review synthesizes data on the effectiveness of different chemical agents in reducing plaque formation and associated oral diseases.
- Identifies key chemical agents and their specific mechanisms in combating oral bacteria.
Conclusions:
- Chemical agents play a crucial role in achieving significant plaque reduction beyond mechanical methods.
- Understanding the efficacy and modes of action of these agents is essential for developing effective oral hygiene strategies.