Subgingival sites: Listerine® reduces levels of bacteria associated with periodontal disease¹

Effect of rinsing with an essential oil-containing mouthrinse on subgingival periodontopathogens¹.

Objective

To evaluate the effect of rinsing with an alcohol and essential oil containing mouthwash (LISTERINE^®) versus negative control on subgingival periodontopathogens.

Methodology

A randomised control, double-blind cross over trial with twice-daily rinsing for 14-days with either an essential oil mouthrinse or a negative control following mechanical cleaning was undertaken. The subgingival bacterial load of the following target organisms known to cause gingivitis and periodontitis were assessed:

• Porphyromanas gingivalis

• Fusobacterium nucleatum

• Veillonella sp

• Total anaerobes

Subgingival sampling was taken at baseline then the subjects were given their randomly assigned rinse, either the essential oil-containing rinse (Listerine^® Cool Mint) or a coloured and flavoured 5% hydro-alcohol negative control for 14 days. A post treatment sample was taken on day 15, followed by a wash out period before the procedure was then repeated with the alternative rinse.

Results

It was demonstrated that use of the essential oil-containing mouthwash reduced the concentration of subgingival organisms known to cause gingivitis and periodontitis by up to 76.6% compared to a negative control, after 14 days of twice daily use¹.