Plaque inhibition: the science and application of oral rinses.

The adjunctive use of therapeutic mouthrinses provides a way of overcoming deficiencies in mechanical tooth cleaning. Through direct destruction of susceptible oral bacteria or through the prevention of bacterial adhesion and aggregation, therapeutic mouthrinses are a well-accepted means of interrupting the accumulation and progression of oral biofilms, which in turn may interrupt or prevent the progression of gingivitis. Therefore, therapeutic mouthrinses play an important role in the treatment and prevention of gum disease and in the maintenance of oral health.