Hypochlorite is the mainstay of the irrigants used in endodontics, ClO-, this is superb at disinfecting root canals.

Additional irrigants include EDTA and Chlorhexidine

EDTA, Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid a polyamino carboxylic acid. It is a mild acid and a powerful chelating agent, it is used to remove the smear layer.

Chlorhexidine is effective on both Gram-psoitive and Gram-negative bacteria. It has batericidal and bacteriostatic mechanisms of action and it is substantive.

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