Walker C et al. (1989)

EVALUATION OF MICROBIAL SHIFTS IN SUPRAGINGIVAL PLAQUE FOLLOWING LONG-TERM USE OF AN ORAL ANTISEPTIC MOUTHRINSE¹

Objective

To determine the effect of long-term use of LISTERINE^® Antiseptic mouthrinse on microbial composition of supragingival dental plaque.

Methods

A subset of 40 subjects participating in a 6-month trial completed this assessment. Subjects rinsed unsupervised with LISTERINE^® Antiseptic or a 5% hydroalcohol control twice daily in addition to normal oral hygiene. Supragingival plaque was evaluated at baseline and at 3 and 6 months for bacterial composition, based on dark-field microscopy, culture on selective and non-selective media and enumeration by colony morphology.

Results

No significant differences in bacterial composition of supragingival plaque were found. Additionally, no opportunistic pathogens-such as yeast, enteric bacteria, or staphylococci-emerged.

The authors concluded that long-term use of LISTERINE^® Antiseptic results in a decrease in total supragingival plaque and does not produce a shift in the microbial composition of this plaque that would be detrimental to oral health.