T. R. Guru Raja Rao
Dental Caries and Periodontal diseases afflict almost every individual. No man is free from it. It is a scourge upon mankind. Over 700 species microorganisms dwell in the oral cavity. One drop of saliva contains 5.5 billion microbes. Dental Plaque is defined as microbial colonisation on the tooth surface which is embedded in mucinous matrix. Only 45% of plaque can be removed by brushing. Therefore use of chemical agent is necessary to remove residual plaque. Attempts have been made to use several chemotherapeutic agents and chemicals in reducing plaque micro flora and improve the periodontal infections. Here is a brief overview of the chemical methods of plaque control in treatment of periodontal diseases.