Clinical studies - Sharma

Adjunctive benefit of an essential oil-containing mouthrinse in reducing plaque and gingivitis in patients who brush and floss regularly: A six-month study² 

- Sharma N, Charles CH, Lynch MC, et al. J Am Dent Assoc. 2004;135:496-504. 

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 52% reduction versus BFC. 

Whole-mouth mean Modified Gingival Index score at 6 months: BFEO rinse group experienced 21% reduction versus BFC.

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

Conclusion

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