Proposal for the teaching of the chemical control of supragingival biofilm

Abstract

The mechanical control of supragingival biofilm is accepted as one of the most important measures to treat and prevent dental caries and periodontal diseases. Nevertheless, maintaining dental surfaces biofilm-free is not an easy task. In this regard, chemical agents, mainly in the form of mouthwashes, have been studied to help overcome the difficulties involved in the mechanical control of biofilm. The aim of this paper was to discuss proposals for the teaching of supragingival chemical control (SCC) in order to improve dentists' knowledge regarding this clinical issue. Firstly, the literature regarding the efficacy of antiseptics is presented, clearly showing that chemical agents are clinically effective in the reduction of biofilm and gingival inflammation when used as adjuvant agents to mechanical control. Thus, it is suggested that the content related to SCC be included in the curricular grid of dental schools. Secondly, some essential topics are recommended to be included in the teaching of SCC as follows: skills and competencies expected of a graduate dentist regarding SCC; how to include this content in the curricular grid; teaching-learning tools and techniques to be employed; and program content.

Factors associated with self‐reported use of mouthwashes in southern Brazil in 1996 and 2009

“…Recently, Oppermann et al . noted that teaching about the chemical control of biofilm was very rudimentary in Brazilian dental faculties and proposed that systematic approaches be adopted to support these needs. This proposal has the potential to influence the results of the present study, in that dental professionals themselves may need better preparation to inform the population about the adequate use of antiseptic solutions.…”

“…It has been demonstrated that the use of mouthwashes containing antiseptics brings clinical benefits in terms of reducing supragingival biofilm and gingivitis . However, its routine use as part of oral hygiene procedures does not seem to be a reality, especially in Brazil, with efforts including in teaching to stimulate this subject within dental students .…”

Efficacy of a triclosan formula in controlling early subgingival biofilm formation: a randomized trial

“…9 Several other antiseptics have been suggested in the literature. 10,11,12 Among them, triclosan (TCS) can be found in different formulations of dentifrices and rinsing solutions. Daily brushing with dentifrices containing TCS is associated with significant reductions in supragingival biofilm and gingivitis levels.…”

Antimicrobial and Anti-Adherent in vitro Activity of Tannins Isolated from Anacardium occidentale Linn. (Cashew) on Dental Biolfilm Bacteria

“…Dental Poor control of dental biofilm is considered the most important factor for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases such as caries, gingivitis and periodontal disease, with a very strong relationship with poor oral hygiene [1]. Thus, the inability of much of adult population to carry out an effective oral hygiene has encouraged research with chemical agents that can assist in the control of dental biofilm [2,3].…”