Adjunctive Benefit of an Essential Oil-containing Mouthrinse in Reducing Plaque and Gingivitis in Patients Who Brush and Floss Regularly: A Six-Month Study¹

- Sharma N, Charles CH, Lynch MC, et al. Adjunctive benefit of an essential oil-containing mouthrinse in reducing plaque and gingivitis in patients who brush and floss regularly: a six-month study. J Am Dent Assoc. 2004;135:496-504.

Benefits of LISTERINE^®: Oral Hygiene Routine Study

Objective

Determine the incremental benefit of the adjunctive use of an essential oil-containing antiseptic mouthrinse (LISTERINE^® COOL MINT^®) to routine brushing and flossing in inhibiting whole-mouth plaque and gingivitis (N=237).

Methodology

Randomized, controlled, observer-blind, parallel-group clinical study of subjects with mild-to-moderate gingivitis.

Results

Whole-mouth mean Plaque Index score at 6 months: BFEO rinse group experienced 56.3% reduction versus BC.

Whole-mouth mean Modified Gingival Index score at 6 months: BFEO rinse group experienced 29.9% reduction versus BC.

B=Brushing.
F=Flossing.
C=Rinsing with control mouthrinse.
EO=Rinsing with an essential oil-containing mouthrinse.

Conclusion

This long-term study demonstrates that the adjunctive use of an essential oil-containing mouthrinse twice daily provides a meaningful and clinically significant incremental benefit to a recommended regimen of brushing twice daily and flossing once daily.