The Use of Mouthrinses in the Fight Against Cariogenic Bacteria
By Kimberly Lintag, RDH, BSDH, MS
Dental caries is a disease in which bacteria ferment carbohydrates, which produces acids and breaks down tooth mineral.1,2 These cariogenic bacteria are acidogenic (acid-forming) and aciduric (tolerate a highly acidic environment), and include Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and lactobacilli.3–5 The removal of plaque and reduction of cariogenic bacteria are key to preventing tooth decay. Mouthrinses are an important adjunct to reducing cariogenic bacteria in the oral cavity, secondary to the mechanical removal of plaque through toothbrushing and interproximal cleaning.
* References can be found in the original article via the link below.
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