Oral biofilms, unlike those formed at most other sites in the human body, are unique because surgical intervention is usually unnecessary for their removal. The control of oral biofilms relies mainly on mechanical elimination. Chemical controls are used as alternative or adjunctive methods when elimination using dental instruments proves difficult. For many years, researches have focused on how microorganisms could be rapidly killed using high concentrations of antimicrobials or new antibacterial agents.New strategies that target the matrices of mature biofilms are needed because biofilm matrices inhibit the effect of antimicrobial agents through absorption and degradation. These strategies include the following possibilities: (1) use of antimicrobial agents with superior penetration properties and (2) degradation or detachment of matrix polymers.In order to investigate the penetration properties of antimicrobial agents, time-lapse microscopy can be used for noninvasive visualization of antimicrobial action inside models of oral biofilms. Factors that affect drug penetration properties include molecular weight, charge, hydrophilic–hydrophobic balance, and malabsorption/modification by the biofilm matrix.However, strategies that rely on antimicrobial agents have an important limitation. Even if the microorganisms are eradicated, their biofilm structure remains intact and may promote secondary biofilm and tartar formation. Therefore, future strategies should shift their focus to degradation and/or removal of matrix polymers.Some detachment-promoting agents have been reported. These agents have the potential to control biofilm accumulation effectively. Since the clinical efficacy remains unclear, and in addition to limitations of targeting a specific polysaccharide component and retention properties, further investigations are warranted.