Fine DH et al. (2000)

EFFECT OF AN ESSENTIAL OIL-CONTAINING ANTISEPTIC MOUTHRINSE ON PLAQUE AND SALIVARY STREPTOCOCCUS MUTANS LEVELS¹

Objective

To examine the effect of twice-daily rinsing with LISTERINE^® Antiseptic on levels of recoverable S. mutans and total streptococci in supragingival interproximal plaque and in saliva.

Methods

Twenty-nine qualifying subjects were randomly assigned either to LISTERINE^® Antiseptic or a sterile water control. Subjects rinsed under supervision twice daily with 20 ml for 30 seconds for 11 days and once on the 12th day, in addition to their normal oral care regimens. Subjects brushed with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, which were provided by the investigator, throughout the study period. At baseline and on day 12, saliva and plaque samples were collected and microbiological quantification of recoverable S. mutans and total streptococci was performed. After a 1-week washout period, the procedures were repeated with the alternate rinse.

Results

Rinsing with LISTERINE^® Antiseptic resulted in significant reductions in both S. mutans and total streptococci both in interproximal plaque and in saliva. LISTERINE^® Antiseptic reduced total streptococci and S. mutans by 69.9% and 75.4%, respectively, in plaque, with corresponding reductions of 50.8% and 39.2% in saliva.

Conclusion The finding that the essential oil mouthrinse used in the study reported herein can significantly reduce the level of oral S. mutans provides further evidence for in situ bactericidal activity as well as an additional rationale for its daily use as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene regimens.