Does fluoride possess anti-plaque properties?

In addition to decreasing enamel solubility and enhancing the remineralization process, fluoride has been shown to affect the metabolism and quantity of plaque bacteria. Both high and low concentrations of fluoride could be useful as an adjunct to traditional mechanical plaque control therapy. Most of the research in this area has used stannous fluoride which has demonstrated the ability to metabolically disrupt plaque bacteria-specifically, Streptococcus mutans.

Suggested Source: Perry, D.E., et al. Stannous Fluoride Adjunct to Root Planing-Clinical and Antimicrobial Effects. IADR Abst. 702, Dallas, March 1984.