Daily rinsing with water does not prevent plaque accumulation and leads to increased levels of gingival inflammation. 2. Toothbrushing or mouth rinsing with sodium fluoride alone decreases plaque accumulation and improves gingival health. 3. The combined method (toothbrushing and rinsing with sodium fluoride) is the most effective. Confirmation of the above results and conclusions requires additional experiments carried out over a longer period of time.