A mouthrinse which optimizes in vivo generation of hypothiocyanite

We report here the properties of a mouthrinse which enhances one of the natural defense factors in human saliva, the salivary peroxidase system. Concentrations of the antimicrobial agent, the hypothiocyanite (OSCN-) ion, can be increased in vivo to bacteriostatic levels by use of a mouthrinse which is 4 mM (0.014%) in hydrogen peroxide and 1 mM (0.0097%) in potassium thiocyanate at pH 5.5. The volume of the rinse, the H2O2 concentrations, and the pH were shown to be determinants of the concentration of OSCN- generated by the rinse.