Efficacy of Total Mouthwash Compared To Listerine and  Placebo Mouthwash

Method: Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups according to their baseline gingival and plaque scores.  The three treatment groups were: Colgate Total Mouthwash containing 0.075% CPC - fluoride and alcohol free (Test Group), Listerine Mouthwash containing essential oils with 21.6 alcohol - fluoride free (Positive Control Group) and Placebo Mouthwash - fluoride and alcohol free (Negative Control Group).  After brushing, subjects were instructed to rinse their mouth with 20ml of their assigned mouthwash twice daily for thirty seconds. Gingivitis and plaque assessments were conducted after six weeks of product use.

Result: After six weeks, the Test Group exhibited statistically significant p<0.05) reductions of whole mouth gingival (27.0%), gingival interproximal (27.9%), gingival severity (48.5%), whole mouth plaque (27.4%), plaque interproximal (24.5%) and plaque severity (30.6%) index scores as compared to the Negative Control Group. After six weeks, the Positive Control Group exhibited similar statistically significant (p<0.05) reductions vs. the Negative Control Group. After six weeks, no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference was observed between the Test Group and the Positive Control Group.

Conclusion: The results support the conclusions that (i) Colgate Total Mouthwash containing 0.075% CPC - fluoride and alcohol free and Listerine Mouthwash containing essential oils with 21.6 alcohol - fluoride free  provide a significant reduction in dental plaque and gingivitis after six weeks vs. the negative control mouthwash and (ii) no statistically significant (p>0.05) difference was observed between Colgate Total Mouthwash containing 0.075% CPC - fluoride and alcohol free and Listerine Mouthwash containing essential oils with 21.6 alcohol - fluoride free in controlling established dental plaque and gingivitis after six weeks.