Extending regular oral hygiene reduces the incidence of upper respiratory symptoms

In this randomized controlled clinical study, the effectiveness of two different modes of extending oral hygiene - either gargling or using an oral spray - on the self-reported incidence of upper respiratory symptoms were evaluated, to help with the prevention of respiratory symptoms. The study was conducted in Porto Alegre, Brazil. A total of 205 individuals were enrolled and assigned to one of three groups: Control Group: brushed twice daily for two minutes with a commercially available fluoride toothpaste; Gargling Group: brushed twice daily for two minutes with a commercially available fluoride toothpaste and then gargled with a mouthwash containing 0.075% CPC (cetylpiridinium chloride); and Oral Spray Group: brushed twice daily for two minutes with a commercially available fluoride toothpaste and instructed to use an oral spray containing 0.075% CPC (3 pumps of spray applied directly into their mouth) twice daily. All subjects were asked to complete the WURSS-21 Daily Symptom Report via a diary for the 3 months duration of the study. Based on analysis of the diaries, the use of regular oral hygiene with brushing, in addition to a type that extended to the entire oral cavity, reduced the incidence and severity of upper respiratory symptoms throughout the duration of the study. Data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA (α = 0.05). Individuals using either mouthwash or spray reported approximately 20% fewer days with respiratory symptoms compared with the control group. Regular oral hygiene that extended to the whole oral cavity with either a mouthwash or an oral spray may help to reduce the incidence of upper respiratory symptoms.