The status, future, and problems of oral antiseptics.

Caries and periodontal disease, the most widespread oral diseases, are commonly treated with various oral antiseptics. These antiseptics are derived from different chemical categories and have different mechanisms of action. Even though the properties of an ideal oral antiseptic have been identified, its formulation has proven elusive. Recent studies with chlorhexidine, triclosan, an amine and stannous fluoride rinse, and essential oil rinse, and others are discussed. Development of novel antiseptic products continues. The hope for the future is that now antiseptic products will treat oral disease better and oral health will improve.