Worldwide use of triclosan: Can dentistry do without this antimicrobial?

In recent years, as our understanding of germs has grown, we have made great strides in preventing disease. While our immune system is strong enough to defend against most bacteria, the occasional malignant microorganism can pass through those defenses and wreak havoc on our systems. Antibacterial agents, synthetic and natural, aid in killing these microorganisms, but there is cause for concern as some of these agents are harmful to humans,...