Method: A 4-day crossover study evaluated, in part, the clinical effects of a 0.1% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) rinse containing 1.5% hydrogen peroxide on dental plaque in adults. After informed consent, enrolled subjects were provided a regular dentifrice and brush plus usage instructions for acclimation, and disclosed dental plaque was measured overnight. Subjects in this crossover study were randomly assigned to a treatment sequence that included a 0.10% CPC + 1.5% H2O2 rinse (the experimental group), plus 0.07% CPC rinse (Crest® Pro-Health) and regular anticavity paste (Crest Cavity Protection) – the latter two of which served as positive and negative controls. Each period was preceded by a 7-10 day washout and dental polishing. Brushing was for 1 min BID, while rinsing was 30 sec BID. Whole mouth disclosed plaque was measured after each 4-day period by a treatment-blinded examiner using a standard 6-point clinical plaque index (TMQHI).
Result: A total of 30 adults (27-61 years of age) were enrolled. Plaque scores were lowest in the experimental group and highest in the brushing only group. The Day 4 adjusted MQH means (SE) were 0.69 (0.058) in the 0.10% CPC + 1.5% H2O2 group, 0.95 (0.056) in the 0.07% CPC group, and 1.27 (0.057) in the brushing control. Both CPC rinse groups differed significantly (p<0.01) from the negative control, and the experimental rinse differed (p<0.01) from the positive control. Mild adverse events were observed with all products, but were directionally more common during experimental rinse use.
Conclusion: Over 4-days, use of a 0.1% cetylpyridinium chloride rinse with 1.5% hydrogen peroxide resulted in a significant 46% reduction in overnight whole mouth plaque relative to regular brushing.