Journal of Dental Research, Vol 71, 1450-1454, Copyright © 1992 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Agents for the management of plaque and gingivitis
S. G. Ciancio
Department of Periodontology, State University of New York, Buffalo 14214.
Numerous chemical agents have been evaluated for the supplementation of
patient-dependent mechanical plaque control and thus the reduction or
prevention of oral diseases. Agents discussed in this paper are those most
frequently evaluated in recent studies and include chlorhexidine, essential
oils, triclosan, sanguinarine, fluorides, oxygenating agents, quaternary
ammonium agents, prebrushing rinses, enzymes, and antibiotics. Of the
agents discussed, the greatest effect on the reduction of plaque and
gingivitis can be expected from chlorhexidine, essential oils, and
triclosan-containing products. These chemical agents vary in dosage form
and include mouthrinses, gels, and dentifrices. Some may also be of value
as irrigants. Adverse effects vary according to the chemical agent and
include poor taste, burning sensation of oral tissue, staining of teeth and
soft tissues, excess supragingival calculus, oral lesions in young
patients, and allergic reactions. When a product is selected for a patient,
consideration should be given to necessity, efficacy, adverse effects, and
cost-effectiveness.
