Use as antibacterial agents of the oral cavity of formulations comprising zinc compounds having formula: €ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ [R-(OCH 2 CH 2 ) n -OS0 3 - ] €¢ 1/2 Zn 2+ €ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ€ƒ(I) wherein R is a linear or branched C 6 -C 20 saturated or unsaturated aliphatic chain, n is an integer in the range zero-20.