Orthodontic Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Orthodontic, including details on braces, retainers, treatment.

Effectiveness of an essential oil mouthrinse in improving oral health in orthodontic patients.

Tufekci E, Casagrande ZA, Lindauer SJ, Fowler CE, Williams KT

Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0566, USA. etufekci@vcu.edu

OBJECTIVE: To test the null hypothesis that adding Listerine mouthrinse to the standard oral hygiene regimen has no added benefit for orthodontic patients in maintaining proper oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients within their first 6 months of orthodontic treatment were assigned either to the brushing + flossing (N = 25) or brushing + flossing + Listerine (N = 25) group. Initially, all of the participants received a prophylaxis and instructions on how to brush and floss. Measurements were recorded for the bleeding, gingival, and plaque indices (BI, MGI, and PI, respectively) that provided baseline values (T1). Subsequent measurements were taken at 3 months (T2) and 6 months (T3). Mean BI, MGI, and PI at T1, T2, and T3 were compared statistically between the groups using repeated measures analysis of variance. The significance level was set at P < or = .05. RESULTS: The response profiles for the BI, MGI, and PI over time were significantly different between the two groups. Patients who had Listerine in their daily oral hygiene regimen exhibited significantly lower scores for all three indices at T2 and T3 than the patients who only brushed and flossed. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis is rejected. This study shows that use of Listerine mouthrinse can reduce the amount of plaque and gingivitis in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Adding Listerine to the standard oral hygiene regimen may be beneficial for orthodontic patients in maintaining proper oral health, thus reducing the likelihood that white spot lesions and gingivitis will develop.

Published 6 February 2008 in Angle Orthod, 78(2): 294-8.
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