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Plaque and Gingivitis
EVALUATION OF MICROBIAL SHIFTS IN SUPRAGINGIVAL PLAQUE FOLLOWING LONG-TERM USE OF AN ORAL ANTISEPTIC MOUTHRINSE1
Walker C et al. (1989)
Objective
To determine the effect of long-term use of LISTERINE® Antiseptic mouthrinse on microbial composition of supragingival dental plaque.
Methods
A subset of 40 subjects participating in a 6-month trial completed this assessment. Subjects rinsed unsupervised with LISTERINE® Antiseptic or a 5% hydroalcohol control twice daily in addition to normal oral hygiene. Supragingival plaque was evaluated at baseline and at 3 and 6 months for bacterial composition, based on dark-field microscopy, culture on selective and non-selective media and enumeration by colony morphology.
Results
No significant differences in bacterial composition of supragingival plaque were found. Additionally, no opportunistic pathogens-such as yeast, enteric bacteria, or staphylococci-emerged.
The authors concluded that long-term use of LISTERINE® Antiseptic results in a decrease in total supragingival plaque and does not produce a shift in the microbial composition of this plaque that would be detrimental to oral health.
References: 1.Walker C, Clark W, Wheeler T, Lamm R. Evaluation of microbial shifts in supragingival plaque following long-term use of an oral antiseptic mouthrinse. J Dent Res. 1989;68:412. Abstr 1845.
