Clinical Evaluation of a mouthrinse in the reduction of halitosis

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a mouthrinse containing 0,07% cetylpyridinium, 0,05% sodium fluoride and 0,3% chlorine dioxide in the reduction of volatile sulfur compounds, that are widely associated with halitosis. Method: The study consisted in a randomized, double-blind, crossover, placebo-controlled clinical trial with 11 healthy volunteers, where the halitosis was induced by the use of a solution of L-cysteine (6mm - pH 7.2). Four mouthrinses were compared: Solution A (test) containing 0,07% cetylpyridinium, 0,05% sodium fluoride and 0,3% chlorine dioxide in pH 7,4 ; Solution B (placebo); Solution C containing 0,05% cetylpyridinium; Solution D containing 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate. The assessment of volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) levels was done using a Sulfide Monitor (Halimeter®). For each solution, six measurements were made at different intervals: initial, immediately post-cysteine, immediately post-rinse, after 1 hour, after 2 hours and after 3 hours. All participants used the four mouthrinses in a crossover manner, and there was a washout period of at least 15 days between measurements. VSC levels were measured using the Halimeter® in parts per billion (ppb), and the reduction rates were calculated for each solution at different intervals. Results: At all intervals, the reduction rate of the test mouthrinse was significantly superior to placebo and the solution containing cetylpyridinium alone. There was no difference in VSC reduction rates between the test solution and the solution containing chlorhexidine immediately post-rinse, after 2 hours and after 3 hours, both being statistically superior to placebo and the solution containing cetylpyridinium. Conclusion: Based on these results, we can conclude that the test mouthrinse containing 0,07% cetylpyridinium, 0,05% sodium fluoride and 0,3% chlorine dioxide was effective in the reduction of volatile sulfur compounds levels for a period of up to three hours.