Mouthwashes: Rationale for use

Area of Science:

• Oral hygiene and microbiology.
• Dental therapeutics.

Background:

• Mouthwashes are valuable adjuncts to oral hygiene.
• They effectively reduce plaque biofilm and kill bacteria in hard-to-reach areas.
• Mouthwashes can also reduce bacteremia and support overall oral health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To update the rationale for using mouthwashes.
• To summarize data on incorporating cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) into a new mouthwash.
• To review research supporting the efficacy of 0.075% CPC in an alcohol-free mouthwash.

Main Methods:

• Review of published articles on mouthwash value.
• In vitro and clinical studies evaluating CPC efficacy.
• Analysis of data from three clinical studies on plaque and gingivitis reduction.

Main Results:

• Mouthwashes improve plaque biofilm reduction and kill bacteria in various oral locations.
• CPC in the new formulation demonstrated efficacy against biofilm.
• Clinical studies showed CPC's effectiveness in reducing plaque and gingivitis.

Conclusions:

• The new alcohol-free mouthwash formulation containing 0.075% CPC is effective.
• CPC contributes to improved oral hygiene by reducing plaque and gingivitis.
• Mouthwashes with CPC offer significant benefits for oral health.