Mouthwash or mouth rinse is a product used to enhance oral hygiene. Some manufacturers of mouthwash claim that antiseptic and anti-plaque mouth rinse kill the bacterial plaque causing cavities, gingivitis, and bad breath. Anti-cavity mouth rinse uses fluoride to protect against tooth decay. It is, however, generally agreed that the use of mouthwash does not eliminate the need for both brushing and flossing. As per the American Dental Association, regular brushing and proper flossing are enough in most cases although the ADA has placed its Seal of Approval on many mouthwashes containing alcohol (in addition to regular dental check-ups).
Common use involves rinsing the mouth with about 20ml (2/3 fl oz) of mouthwash two times a day after brushing. The wash is typically swished or gargled for about half a minute and then spat out. In some brands, the expectorate is stained, so that one can see the bacteria and debris. Some may suggest that it is probably advisable to use mouthwash at least an hour after brushing with toothpaste when the toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate, since the anionic compounds in the SLS toothpaste can deactivate cationic agents present in the mouthrinse. However, many would disagree with this hypothesis; in fact, many of the popular mouthwashes contain sodium lauryl sulfate as an ingredient (e.g., Listerine Total Care).
3M today announced the addition of a single application kit to its line of Peridex™ (Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12%) Oral Rinse products. The new, convenient kit includes a 15 ml dose bottle, soft toothbrush and swab. Peridex Oral Rinse is indicated for the treatment of gingivitis and provides antimicrobial activity during oral rinsing.
"Peridex carries more than 20 years of clinical proof in reducing gingivitis," said James Ingebrand, Marketing Director, 3M Infection Prevention. "The new, single-application kit with Peridex Oral Rinse makes oral care quick and simple for our customers."
3M's Oral Care Kit with Peridex Oral Rinse is the latest product from the company's Infection Prevention Division, which also introduced a number of "firsts" that have helped define current infection prevention practices, from Ioban™ antimicrobial drapes to Avagard™ hand antiseptics. As with all 3M Infection Prevention Division products, the Oral Care Kit with Peridex is the result of science, technology and customer input. Combined, these factors help the 3M Infection Prevention division develop products and best practices that detect, prevent and control the risk of infection.
The clinical significance of Peridex Oral Rinse antimicrobial activity is not clear. Three months after Peridex Oral Rinse use was discontinued, the number of bacteria in plaque had returned to baseline levels and resistance of plaque bacteria to chlorhexidine gluconate was equal to that at baseline. Peridex Oral Rinse is indicated for use between dental visits as part of a professional program for the treatment of gingivitis. Patients with a known sensitivity to chlorhexidine gluconate should not use Peridex Oral Rinse. The effect of Peridex Oral Rinse on periodontitis has not been determined. Common side effects associated with the use of Peridex Oral Rinse include an increase in the staining of oral surfaces, an increase in calculus formation and an alteration in taste perception.
