Oral health

LISTERINE Total Care – the science behind its success

03 April 2020
News

Adding LISTERINE Total Care to your patients’ daily prevention routine finishes the job started by mechanical cleaning.  

The mechanical actions of brushing and interdental cleaning displace plaque and dislodge bacteria from the tooth surface. However, bacteria from other areas of the mouth can quickly recolonise on teeth.1

 A landmark meta-analysis of 29 studies involving more than 5,000 participants demonstrated that those who added a LISTERINE essential oils mouthwash to mechanical methods were more likely to have a cleaner mouth, which may lead to the prevention of gum disease.2

 

The study further indicated that 36.9% of subjects using mechanical methods with essential oil- containing mouthwash experienced at least 50% plaque-free sites after 6 months, compared to just 5.5% of patients using mechanical methods alone.2

The data also showed that adding LISTERINE essential oils mouthwash to mechanical methods delivers over 5x more plaque free sites than mechanical methods alone, offering compelling information for the clinician when educating patients on an appropriate oral care routine to meet individual needs.2

Overall, the outcomes of the meta-analysis support the concept that using an essential oil-containing mouthwash daily offers a clinically relevant benefit beyond that offered by mechanical cleaning alone.2

 

Three steps to success

Given that following mechanical cleaning with an appropriate mouthwash will help lower the bacterial burden in the mouth, this is an important aspect of achieving the optimum oral care at home.

Promoting a partnership approach that clearly and concisely presents the benefits of combining daily prevention with regular hygiene appointments will also help patients with this.

The LISTERINE Total Care range offers extra support, with its essential oil formulation consisting of eucalyptol, thymol, menthol and methyl salicylate, all of which are proven to:

  • Penetrate the plaque biofilm3
  • Manage the bacterial load of the mouth4
  • Reduce maturation of remaining biofilm colonies.5

 The LISTERINE Total Care range also offers differing levels of fluoride to meet particular patients’ needs including Listerine Total Care Milder Taste, which contains 220ppm fluoride to protect against cavities yet is alcohol-free for a less intense taste.

For further information, visit www.listerineprofessional.co.uk.

References

  1. Barnett ML. The rationale for the daily use of an antimicrobial mouthrinse. JADA 2006; 137: 16S-21S
  2. Araujo MWB et al. Meta-analysis of the effect of an essential oil-containing mouthrinse on gingivitis and plaque. JADA 2015; 146(8): 610-622
  3. Pan et al. Determination of the in situ bactericidal activity of an essential oil mouthrinse using a vital stain method. J Clin Periodontol 2000; 27: 256-261
  4. Minah et al. Effects of 6 months use of an antiseptic mouthrinse on supragingival dental plaque microflora. J Clin Periodontol. 1989; 16: 347-352
  5. Johnson & Johnson. Data on file (2)