A review of chemotherapeutic plaque control.

Of the plaque-control agents studied, it would appear that chlorhexidine is the most suitable agent to prevent plaque accumulation and the development of gingivitis. It also is attractive to speculate on the possibilities of a commercially available mouthwash. A trio of antibiotics--kanamycin, spiramycin, and vancomycin--may prove of value in the treatment of severe gingival and periodontal disease. The ultimate role of xylitol has yet to be determined. Regardless of the agent selected, access to the gingival sulcus region seems critical.