A literature review: oral irrigation therapy. The adjunctive roles for home and professional use

It is now recognized that there are several different types of periodontal infections. As we learn more about the cause of these diseases, it becomes obvious that we have treatment options. A successful choice of procedures for each individual depends on an accurate diagnosis based on comprehensive data collection of clinical and microbiological findings. Treatment choices include a non-surgical phase which consists of plaque removal, plaque control, scaling, root planing, and the use of chemical agents. For complete debridement of deep pockets, furcations or areas with root surface irregularities, surgical access may be necessary. When considering drug therapy, it must be noted that systemic antibiotics may be necessary to suppress those subgingival periodontal pathogens which have the ability to invade the tissue and resist other methods of eradication. Removal or alteration of pathogenic flora is mandatory to improve a patient's periodontal health. The extensive use of supragingival irrigation as an adjunct for treating gingivitis has led to the interest in subgingival irrigation as a possible adjunct for treatment of periodontal diseases. Targeted lavage and subgingival delivery of effective antimicrobial agents show potential as supplemental office procedures or as a component of a home oral hygiene regime. Additional research is needed to develop more efficacious chemotherapeutic substances than are currently available and to further define the optimum application of each. Substantive medicaments that react specifically against periodontopathic organisms are essential. Exact frequency and duration of professionally-applied and self-administered subgingival irrigation need to be determined for maximum results. Further investigation is required to establish the potential role of adjunctive irrigation and antimicrobial therapy in the treatment of periodontitis. Yet, another important application of irrigation has been recognized. Recently, the American Heart Association revised its guidelines for the prevention of bacterial endocarditis. The amendments to the dentistry sections have been approved by the Council on Dental Therapeutics of the American Dental Association. Included in this text is the recommendation that as an adjunct to antibiotic prophylaxis, sulcular irrigation with chlorhexidine may be useful for those patients considered high risk and/or have poor oral hygiene. Irrigation therapy is undergoing extensive scrutiny in the scientific research community. Presently, considerable conclusive evidence exists to suggest that adjunctive irrigation may play an important role in controlling gingivitis and periodontitis. The overwhelming challenge for any and all successful periodontal therapy will always remain dependent on patient compliance to regular professional and home care.