Anti-plaque And Anti-gingivitis Agents In The Control Of Supragingival Plaque

This review considers the main agents which have been used as anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis agents in mouthwashes and other vehicles to inhibit the growth of supragingival plaque. The agents are classified into first generation, second generation and third generation agents. Bisguanide antiseptics, hexetidine, povidone iodine, triclosan, delmopinol, salifluor, metal ions, sanguinarine, propolis and oxygenating agents are included. The anti-plaque and antigingivitis properties of these agents are considered along with their substantivity, safety and possible clinical usefulness. A number of product forms are available to deliver anti-plaque agents (i.e., mouthrinses, dentrifices, aqueous gels, chewing gum and lozenges) and should facilitate optimal bioavailability at the site of action and patient compliance.

Effect of virgin olive oil pulling and chlorhexidine mouth washon plaque and gingivitis: a randomized controlled trial

Aim: The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of oil pulling with virgin olive oil and chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Material and Methods: A total of sixty subjects satisfying the inclusion criteria were selected. The subjects were then randomly divided into two groups of thirty each. Group I used oil pulling with olive oil and Group II used 0.2% chlorhexidine as mouthwash. The plaque index and modified gingival index scores were measured at baseline, first week and second week. Results: The results showed that there was statistically significant reduction of mean plaque and gingivitis scores from baseline to first week and second week in both olive oil (p<0.05) and chlorhexidine group (p<0.05). There was significant difference in mean plaque scores between olive oil group and chlorhexidine group at second week (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in mean gingivitis scores between olive oil group and chlorhexidine group at second week (p<0.05). Conclusions: Oil pulling with virgin olive oil was found to be effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Regular and proper oil pulling with virgin olive oil can therefore be recommended as a routine home-based practice in promoting oral health.