Charles CH et al. (2004)

COMPARATIVE ANTIPLAQUE AND ANTIGINGIVITIS EFFECTIVENESS OF A CHLORHEXIDINE AND AN ESSENTIAL OIL MOUTHRINSE: 6-MONTH CLINICAL TRIAL

Objective

To compare the antiplaque and antigingivitis effectiveness and the side-effect profiles of LISTERINE^® Antiseptic and Peridex^®.

Methods

One hundred eight subjects aged 20-57 years were randomized into 3 groups: LISTERINE^® Antiseptic, Peridex (0.12% chlorhexidine), or a 5% hydroalcohol negative control. Subjects were examined and scored at baseline using the Loe-Silness gingival index, Turesky modification of Quigley-Hein plaque index, Volpe-Manhold calculus index, and the Lobene extrinsic tooth stain index. Following a dental prophylaxis, subjects rinsed twice daily (supervised once daily on weekdays) in addition to their usual mechanical oral routine. Subjects were given soft nylon toothbrushes and fluoride toothpaste. They were asked not to use any mouthrinses that were not provided for the study. The treatment groups were reevaluated at 3 and 6 months.

Results

At 6 months, LISTERINE^® Antiseptic and Peridex^® had comparable antiplaque and antigingivitis activity. Importantly, subjects receiving Peridex^® had significantly more extrinsic tooth stain and calculus formation than subjects receiving LISTERINE^® Antiseptic. While all differences were statistically significant vs control (p<0.001), the reductions in plaque and gingivitis with LISTERINE^® Antiseptic and Peridex^® were not significantly different from each other.