Dental Researcher Provides Advice for Selecting an Antibacterial Mouthwash

At the International Assn. of Dental Research conference held in Baltimore March 9-12, dental researchers discussed the importance of using antibacterial mouthwashes to reduce levels of oral bacteria that cause gum disease.

One researcher, Prof. Stuart Fischman of SUNY/Buffalo, noted the advantages that an "essential oil"-based mouthwash like Listerine has over competitors that use other ingredients to kill bacteria. Quoting from the IADR press release:

"Because these are products that patients should use on a regular, sustained basis, aesthetic concerns are important as well as the mouthrinse's effectiveness," asserted Fischman.

"For example, ingredients such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and chlorhexidine, both may cause significant brown staining on teeth and the tongue versus an essential oil antibacterial mouthrinse such as Listerine®, which is safe for long-term daily use." cautioned Fischman.

"In addition, because of possible interactions with sodium lauryl sulfate, a commonly used ingredient in toothpaste, neither CPC nor chlorhexidine mouthrinses should be used immediately following brushing or else their effectiveness might be compromised. Chlorhexidine mouthrinse may also promote the formation of calculus or tartar above the gum line in patients using the product. This is not an issue with, for example, an essential oil formula."