Improving oral health in the Middle East - recommendations from the first Middle East Oral Hygiene Advisory Board meeting

Abstract

Chronic periodontitis may be a sequela of chronic gingivitis, usually because of accumulation of plaque and calculus. Consistent good dental hygiene can help prevent gingivitis and periodontitis. Mechanical removal of plaque through frequent and efficacious brushing and flossing is the principal means of preventing periodontal diseases and diminishing the risk of caries. According to the American Dental Association (ADA), antimicrobial mouth-washes may provide additional oral health benefits, in addition to brushing and flossing, for preventing and reducing gingivitis and plaque. There is a multitude of mouthwashes available for these purposes. The consensus panel of the Middle East Oral Hygiene Advisory Board has recommended that an antiseptic mouthwash should be used as a daily adjunct to mechanical cleaning for prevention of oral disease. Recommending particular mouthwashes should take into consideration the patient's ability to perform good oral hygiene practices (tooth brushing and dental flossing), the condition of the patient's teeth, gingivae and oral mucosa, and the proven efficacy of the mouthwash along with its potential adverse effects. Of the many mouth rinses available, only a few contain chemical agents that have some ability to penetrate biofilm and to kill plaque biofilm bacteria. Currently, only chlorhexidine mouthrinse and Listerine (an essential oil-containing mouth rinse) products, with the claim of plaque and gingivitis reduction, have been accepted for that purpose by the ADA and have a proven record of safety and efficacy. Essential oil-containing mouthrinses have been clinically proven as effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Dental care professionals should spend time discussing biofilm control with their patients, and be an information source for the best oral care products. Therefore, it is essential that dental care professionals should continue to monitor published research and work with their colleagues to make evidence-based decisions. In this way, patients will be directed to dental hygiene aids, including antiseptic mouthwashes that can be most effective for improving their oral health.