The effect of mouthrinses against oral microorganisms

Abstract

This paper reviews the benefits of the use of antimicrobial mouthrinses for controlling dental biofilm. It is currently known that the human oral cavity is inhabited by approximately 600 to 700 different species of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, organized in biofilms. Biofilm accumulation represents the principal etiologic agent of oral diseases including caries and periodontal diseases. For that reason, prevention of biofilm accumulation has been shown to be associated with the control of diseases. Patient motivation and oral hygiene instruction are claimed to be a major factor influencing the degree of biofilm control. Therefore, mechanical home-care methods, including toothbrushing and flossing, represent the best way for patients to remove biofilm. For many patients, however, the elimination of all biofilm present in the oral cavity through home-care methods could be tedious and time-consuming. Additionally, some local conditions, including malpositioned teeth, presence of bridge-work or orthodontic appliances, among others, may render the mechanical control of biofilm especially difficult. Chemotherapeutic agents, including mouthrinses, could have a key role as adjuncts to daily home care, preventing and controlling supragingival plaque, gingivitis and oral malodor. Indeed, according to the ADA, the active ingredients of mouthwashes must demonstrate a therapeutic effect in vivo and in vitro to be classified as drugs. Several studies included in the present review have demonstrated the effectiveness of mouthrinses containing active ingredients such as chlorhexidine and essential oils in preventing and controlling both supragingival plaque and gingivitis, especially when used adjunctively to regular toothbrushing and flossing procedures. Descriptors: Dental plaque; Oral hygiene; Anti-infective agents, local; Chlorhexidine.Resumo: O propósito desta revisão foi mostrar os benefícios decorrentes do uso de enxaguatórios bucais no controle do biofilme dental. Atualmente sabe-se que a cavidade bucal dos humanos é habitada por aproximadamente de 600 a 700 espécies microbianas incluindo bactérias, fungos e vírus. Este aglomerado microbiano, atualmente definido como biofilme dental, é o principal agente etiológico das patologias bucais, incluindo cárie e doença periodontal. Logo, cuidados em relação ao controle destas doenças passam necessariamente pela eliminação ou redução do biofilme dental, incluindo métodos mecânicos adequados de higiene bucal e motivação do paciente. Todavia, a escovação dental e o uso de fio dental podem ser uma tarefa tediosa e consumir tempo exagerado para a rotina de muitos pacientes. Além disso, o controle mecânico do biofilme dental pode ser dificultado por fatores locais como uso de próteses e aparelhos ortodônticos, mau posicionamento dental, entre outros. Assim, o uso de enxaguatórios bucais, associado ao controle mecânico, pode ser incorporado rotineiramente aos cuidados de higiene bucal controlando terapêutica e preventivamente o biofilme supragengiva...

A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial on the Clinical and Microbiological Efficacy of Punica granatum Linn Mouthwash

“…These data corroborate those found in the literature regarding the side effects associated with the use of this antimicrobial agent [1,20,26]. The American Dental Association (ADA) [27] evaluates the antiplaque and anti-gingivitis products by means of a Seal of Acceptance Program, through which it should be evident the efficacy and safety of the product for human use.…”

“…Thus, the antimicrobial efficacy of the mouthwash is dependent on its microbicide action coupled with its ability to penetrate alive and well organized microbial communities, as it can be observed in dental biofilms. This ability makes the difference in the in vivo action of an agent [1]. It is emphasized that no instructions on prophylaxis or dental hygiene and diet were performed prior to the present study or during analysis.…”

“…The mechanical removal of dental biofilm, through proper use of brushes and dental floss, is considered to be the main resource for good oral hygiene [1,2]. However, clinical experience and population-based studies have shown that such methods are not being employed as accurately as they should be by a large number of people.…”

Antimicrobial Potential of Plant Extracts and Chemical Fractions of Sideroxylon obtusifolium (Roem. & Schult.) T.D. Penn on Oral Microorganisms

“…It is known that there are specific intrabacterial associations in dental biofilm, which represent the main etiologic agents of several periodontal diseases, [1][2][3] with…”

Periodontal disease and its prevention, by traditional and new avenues (Review)

“…They are used as adjuncts to daily home care, by preventing and controlling supragingival plaque, gingivitis and oral malodor (10). The consumer guide to dentistry divides the rinses into three groups (13) as follows: Cosmetic oral rinses may temporarily control or reduce halitosis, rinse oral debris, diminish bacteria and leave one with a refreshing taste. The other group is the therapeutic oral rinses, which are anti plaque and anti-gingivitis or anti-cavity and the third group is the natural/herbal oral rinses (14).…”