PHARMACOLOGICAL CONTROL OF PERIODONTAL-DISEASE .1. ANTIPLAQUE AGENTS

Inhibition of the development of dental plaque remains one of the prim ary aims of periodontal care. Many patients, however, are unable to ma ster completely the mechanical methods of plaque control and for this reason, considerable research efforts have been directed towards the d evelopment and use of chemical agents to inhibit the growth of plaque. This first of two articles, therefore, examines the pharmacological p roperties and efficacy of commercially available antiplaque agents. We have also summarized the findings of some of the major clinical trial s that have provided the scientific basis for the introduction of thes e agents for the management of gingival inflammation.