DePaola LG et al (1989)

CHEMOTHERAPEUTIC INHIBITION OF SUPRAGINGIVAL DENTAL PLAQUE AND GINGIVITIS DEVELOPMENT¹

Objective

To determine the long–term efficacy of rinsing with LISTERINE^® Antiseptic as a supplement to regular oral hygiene in inhibiting the buildup of plaque and gingivitis.

Methods

This was a 6-month, randomized, double-blind, supervised, controlled clinical trial in which 107 adult subjects received a dental prophylaxis and then rinsed for 30 seconds twice a day for 6 months with 20 mL of either LISTERINE^® Antiseptic or a 5% hydroalcohol control rinse in addition to their usual oral routine. Soft nylon toothbrushes and fluoride dentifrices were supplied to all subjects throughout the study. Subjects were asked not to use any mouthrinses that were not provided for the study. At baseline and at 3 and 6 months, subjects received an oral soft–tissue examination and were evaluated for plaque levels, gingivitis, and extrinsic tooth stain.

Results

At 6 months, LISTERINE^® Antiseptic, as an adjunct to regular oral hygiene, significantly inhibited the development of both plaque and gingivitis by 34% compared with the control rinse. There was no increase in extrinsic tooth staining.