Halitosis And Gingivitis Reduction Using A Zinc-gluconate-taurine-cetylpyridinium-chloride Oral-rinse And Toothpaste

Objectives: to evaluate the efficacy in reducing halitosis and gingivitis insurgence in fixed orthodontic patients of a zinc-gluconate, taurine and cetylpyridinium-chloride (CPC) oral-rinse, sole or combined with a toothpaste with the same active principles. Methods: a group of 30 healthy and non-smokers orthodontic patients, between 17 and 38 years of age and without periodontal pathology, was randomly divided in three groups of 10. Two weeks after a professional oral hygiene, instruction and motivation session (t0) the study started recording Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Periodontal probing Depth (PD) and Odor Score (according to Rosenberg's method). The control group A used Super floss® (Oral B®) and toothbrush without toothpaste; the group B additionally used twice a day a zinc-gluconate, taurine and CPC mouthrinse; the group C used also a zinc-gluconate, taurine and CPC toothpaste. Measurements were repeated after one month (t1), a professional oral hygiene session was performed and group B and C were crossed. Finally measurements were again recorded by the same blind operator after one month (t2). Results: measurements obtained were analyzed by a third blind operator. PI, GI and odor score were statistically (P<0.05) higher in the control group than in the group using the oral-rinse; moreover they were higher in the group using the oral-rinse than in group using oral-rinse and toothpaste. There was no statistically significant difference regarding PD. Conclusion: the oral-rinse used in this study was effective to prevent halitosis, plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation in periodontal healthy orthodontic patients. Its efficacy was augmented if associated with a zinc-gluconate, taurine and CPC toothpaste.