Current role of pharmaceuticals in prevention of caries and periodontal disease.

Epidemiological studies, based on the tooth surface as a unit of reference, confirm a strong correlation between dental plaque and the initiation of dental caries and periodontal disease. Therefore, prevention of caries and periodontal disease must be based on plaque control. Dental plaque can be controlled both mechanically and chemically. Both methods can be achieved by self-care, or professionally by dentists and dental hygienists. Chemical antimicrobial products are used for non-specific plaque control, as well as against specific microbes associated with the aetiology of caries and periodontal disease. Most products are applied topically (mouthrinses, gels, dentifrices and varnishes). The use of fluoride is generally accepted specifically for caries prevention. It is evident that the caries preventive effects of fluorides are mainly post-eruptive due to fluoride in drinking water, milk, salt and tablets. Dentifrices are the major, most widespread commercial product for topical use, followed by mouthrinses, gels, prophy pastes and slow-release fluoride products such as varnishes and glass ionomers. Dentifrices, mouthrinses and gels containing both fluorides and antimicrobial agents are also available. Products, methods and programmes for all individuals and selected risk individuals are discussed.