Abstract
Objective: Verify the importance of controlling dental biofilm through a critical review of the literature. Methods: Online databases (PubMed, BVS and Scielo) were accessed, using the following search terms in Portuguese and English: Chemical Control of dental plaque, Cariogenic Diet, Oral Plaque Removal, Nutrition and Diet in Biofilm Formation, Mechanical control of oral plaque, Dental biofilm control method and dentifrices fluoride caries prevention. Articles published in the last 12 years, available for full reading were considered. All records had the title and abstract read, to confirm the thematic pertinence. Results: 23 articles were part of the review. Research articles and systematic reviews (n = 16) were detailed in results table. Conventional tooth brushing using toothpaste is effective in controlling biofilm, which was confirmed in articles that compared different methods for biofilm control or that evaluated the impact of different oral hygiene habits. Final considerations: Biofilm control is important in preventing caries and periodontal problems. Oral hygiene methods are shown to be the best way to avoid oral pathologies caused by bacterial biofilm and must be used in different ways, according to each patient's profile.