Why recommend an essential oil antiseptic mouthrinse?

Why add an essential oil antiseptic mouthrinse to your patients’ daily oral health routine?

Even with today’s increased focus on oral healthcare, including good brushing and flossing techniques, gum disease is still much more prevalent than might be expected. In fact, in Canada alone, 88% of adults aged 20 years and older exhibit signs of gum inflammation and 32% actually have gingivitis.1 It’s important to understand what comprises your patient’s typical daily oral care routine so that you can counsel them on ways to improve their oral health outcomes.

The good news is the majority of people are willing to do more for their oral health. A global survey of over 4,000 people^5* showed:

It’s clear that patients already have the desire to improve their oral health, but need a better understanding of the state of their current oral health, their relative risk of gingivitis, and require education on an individualized home regime.

Why recommend oral rinsing?

While mechanical methods, like brushing and flossing, are vital to proper oral care, they may not be enough on their own to control plaque.^6,7 Bacteria are hiding in places where brushing, and even flossing, simply can’t reach. Appearing within minutes of brushing, bacteria double every 1–2 hours in the early stages—and within days, microbes form a complex 3-D colony that can contain hundreds of distinct species.^8† Unstimulated saliva contains 5 x 107 to 1 x 108 bacteria per millilitre, and continually bathes oral surfaces with suspended microorganisms, allowing bacteria to re-colonize on teeth shortly after prophylaxis.⁹ In just 30 seconds, the antimicrobial action of an essential oil mouthrinse reduces plaque left behind by mechanical methods, deeply penetrating into the bottom layers of the biofilm, breaking down its structure in places that are more difficult for a toothbrush and dental floss to access.^10,11,12

CDA and CDHA recognizes the benefits of rinsing.^{15, 16}

In addition to the Canadian Dental Association recommendation for brushing and flossing, the have evaluated the clinical benefits provided by rinsing with an antiseptic essential oil containing mouthrinse. The CDA has validated the oral health benefit that adding LISTERINE® Antiseptic to one’s oral routine reduces and prevents gingivitis more than just brushing and flossing alone.

Rinsing—the essential third step to better oral health.

With all this evidence, it’s clear that rinsing with an antiseptic mouthrinse is more than just a suggestion, it is an essential third step in addition to brushing and flossing in a patient’s daily oral health routine. And it’s a step you should be recommending to your patients to help make their mouths healthier.

Test your knowledge?

1. What is the prevalence of gingivitis in Canada?
    a.) Over 10% of the adult population
    b.) Over 30% of the adult population
    c.) Over 50% of the adult population
    d.) Over 85% of the adult population
2. What is the benefit of using antiseptic mouthrinse in addition to mechanical methods of plaque removal?
    a.) Helps prevent and reduce plaque
    b.) Helps prevent and reduce gingivitis
    c.) Clean virtually 100% of the mouth
    d.) All of the above
3. What percentage of clients are willing to use mouthwash for improved oral health?
    a.) 90 %
    b.) 50 %
    c.) 25 %
    d.) 10 %

Answers:  1. b; 2. d; 3. a