Prophylactic and therapeutic application of antimicrobial agents in the oral cavity

Antimicrobial substances are used for many prophylactic and therapeutic rea sons in the oral cavity. They are used as mouthrinses, for the irrigation o f specific oral locations, in form of gels, or varnishes. Different antimic robial agents are available and some preparations are complex compositions of these compounds. Although it has been proven that several agents are sui ted to achieve a considerable reduction of oral microorganisms many questio ns concerning the clinical benefit are yet to be answered. This report summ arises the evidence of the efficacy of oral antiseptics (especially chlorhe xidine, pvp-iodine, and Listerine((R))) depending on different indications, which is the basis for clinical and practical recommendations.