New approaches to the control of plaque are now being developed. Introduction.

摘要

The commonest method of oral hygiene practice in developed countries is brushing with a dentifrice. Most individuals' usual brushing regime, however, is sub-optimal and they can therefore derive clinically significant benefits against plaque and gingivitis from the adjunctive use of a mouthrinse. Mouthrinses proven to be efficacious to date include those which include chlorhexidine or essential oils as active ingredients. In addition to plaque control, individuals frequently use mouthrinses to prevent or mask oral malodour. Malodour may be present for a number of reasons, including a range of systemic medical conditions, but principally results from excess bacterial biofilm formation on the teeth and tongue. Mature biofilms become colonised with anaerobic bacteria which produce malodorous substances including sulphur-containing compounds and short-chain volatile fatty acids. Malodour can also arise as a result of mouth breathing because of an upper respiratory tract infection or following ingestion of highly flavoured foodstuffs or alcoholic beverages.