Several microbiological methods have been used in identifying and characterizing microorganisms that take residence in the oral cavity of humans. Oral microorganisms have the ability to cause periodontal diseases, halitosis, and dental caries, which are the most prevalent human infectious diseases. In the United States, for example, 92% of those 65 years old and above possess dental caries within their permanent teeth while 50.3% of the US population who are 30 years or more possess gingivitis, a further 26% possess destructive periodontitis (Emling p. 93-122). Surprisingly, emerging evidence suggests that oral inflammation resulting from bacteria residing in the dental plaque can lead to several systematic diseases such as diabetes, low birth mass, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and preterm babies (Emling p. 93-122).
Worldwide, many methods, techniques and products have been designed to enhance oral health such as toothbrushes, dentifrices, and rinses, to mention a few, are presently available for use. Mechanical plaque control has not been practiced appropriately and consistently by a majority of the population. The brushing technique, for example, has limited access to the interproximal plaque of the molars and pre-molars hence controlling the accumulation of biofilms on these cavities require the use of chemical antimicrobial agents (Ricardo & Flavia p. 39-48). But the widely used chemical methods involve the administration of dentifrices and mouthrinse.
Dentifrices aid the polishing and cleaning of the tooth surfaces. They can be administered in forms of paste, gel or powder ("Plaque Control"). A well proven example is a Colgate Total, which is a dentifrice having 2.0% copolymer, 0.3% triclosan and 0.243% sodium fluoride. Colgate Total has demonstrated excellent broad-spectrum of the antimicrobial activity. It has significantly inhibited various oral bacteria and periodontal pathogens (Emling p. 93-122). The special nature of Colgate Total is achieved by combining the active component, triclosan, alongside copolymer. The former has been a longstanding part of consumer items, used effectively and safely for more than 30 years now. It has a useful and rare dual function. Besides serving as an inflammatory agent, it also does acts as an antibacterial agent. Copolymer, on the other hand, ensures that triclosan is delivered and retained in the oral cavity thus allowing for bioavailability of up to 12-hour period, which becomes essential for the efficacy delivery of the antigingivitis and antiplaque. In Thailand, for example, it has been researched, tested and documented that retaining triclosan in dental plaque together with its antibacterial effect especially 12 hours following a single brushing using Colgate Total confirms the long-lasting benefits of this antiplaque bacteria (Emling p. 93-122).
In the United States of America, for instance, ADA has approved two mouth-rinsing agents for enhancement of the gingivitis treatment ("Plaque Control"). This is a mouthrinse solution consisting of Chlorhexidine digluconate. It can be administered in essential forms such as oil mouthrinse menthol, thymol, mythyl salicylate and eucalyptol that ensure alteration of the cell wall of the bacteria. Some of the benefits of Chlorohexidine action includes; increased membrane permeability of the bacteria followed by the coagulation of the cytoplasmic macromolecules ("Plaque Control"). Again, it has the substantivity ability for its substance adherence to the structure that might be released in the long run. However, Chlorohexidine action has certain side effects such as; taste perturbation, brown discoloration, and oral erosion of the mucus ("Plaque Control").
Even though many preventive strategies are out there in the global market, these two chemical methods of controlling plague, especially the use of dentifrices and mouthrinse are still dominant in the global arena. The majority of the world population might not be much informed in regards to these strategy but the distribution points such as chemists, believe it is the best, and constantly educate the general public on the below importance of this approach. An adjunct application of the essential mouthrinse oils and Colgate Total results in extra reductions in gingivitis and plaque, particularly in areas that are hard-to-reach like inter-proximal spaces (Ricardo & Flavia p. 39-48). This strategy helps in reducing biofilms accumulation on the surfaces of soft tissues belonging to the oral cavity, thus delaying accumulation of plaque on the teeth. Again, these antimicrobial agents like essential oils have the capability of affecting bacterial growth in supragingival biofilms thus disrupting any preexistence of the plaque. More so, Colgate Total, or rather dentifrices composed of triclosan/copolymer prevents progression of loss of attachment in adolescents having higher risks of early periodontitis. Their use prevents further attachment loss in patients who have demonstrated historical periodontitis, especially in the absentia of supportive therapy on periodontitis, including subgingival debridement. Important to note is that long-term application of oral antimicrobials never seems to cause any undesirable microbiological negative effects like developing resistant species. On the other hand, mouthrinse use having alcohol never seem to escalate the risk associated with oral cancer (Ricardo & Flavia p. 39-48).
Work Cited
Emling, Robert C. "Clinical Antiplaque and Antigingivitis Efficacy of Two Dentifrices: Triclosan, Copolymer, and Sodium Fluoride vs. Stannous Fluoride, Sodium Hexametaphosphate, and Zinc Lactate." The Journal of Clinical Dentistry 21.4 (2010): 93-122.
"Plaque Control." Plaque Control. 18 Dec. 2013. Web. 08 Mar. 2016. <http://www.slideshare.net/muhammadtantawy/plaque-control-29338443?next_slideshow=1>.
Ricardo Palmier, and Flavia, R. Fonseca. "Antimicrobial agents used in the control of periodontal biofilms: effective adjuncts to mechanical plaque control?." Brazilian Oral Research 23 (2009): 39-48.
