Periodontics 1975: a review--plaque and the dento-gingival environment.

“Is there a mouthwash or toothpaste that removes this plaque and calculus?” asks the patient undergoing periodontal treatment, particularly one who has not succeeded in removing plaque with a toothbrush and dental floss. In reviewing the literature on this subject it was found that scientists and clinical researchers are making a determined effort to understand plaque, while at the same time testing various anti-microbial agents. In a clinical evaluation of a quaternary ammoniumcontaining mouthrinse, Ciancio, Mather and Bunnell (1975), found that the test rinse produced a statistically significant reduction in dental plaque when compared with a placebo rinse. On the other hand an iodine mouthwash was found to be ineffective in the control of plaque, either with or without brushing and flossing. Iodine applied topically, however, and combined with tooth brushing and flossing was more effective in pla­ que control than brushing and flossing alone. Three aqueous mouth rinse solutions of benzethonium chloride, zinc chloride and benzethonium chloride combined with zinc chloride were compared for their plaque and gingivitis inhibiting capabilities. According to Compton and Beagrie (1975), the benzethonium chloride solution inhibited up to 42,9 per cent less pla­ que than the others.