What is an antimicrobial rinse?
Many of us have asked these same questions. What is an antimicrobial rinse? When should I use an antimicrobial rinse? What over the counter products are effective antimicrobial rinses?
Antimicrobial is defined as a substance capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of disease-causing microbes.[1] An antimicrobial rinse is a liquid substance that has the ability to destroy or inhibit the growth of microbes that can cause disease in the oral cavity such as gingivitis, and periodontal disease.[2]
Most antimicrobial rinses are designed to fight oral diseases such as gingivitis and periodontal disease. “Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth.”[3] “Periodontal disease means "inflammation around the tooth. It is a serious gum infection that damages the soft tissue and bone that supports the tooth”[4]
When should an antimicrobial rinse be used? Each person has individual needs. It is best to ask your health care professional to give you advice as to which antimicrobial product may be best for you. There are many antimicrobial rinses that can help cut down on the numbers of harmful microbes in your mouth. This article will highlight three of the most popular over the counter rinses: Listerine, Crest Pro-health, and Colgate Advantage.
Listerine
Listerine uses a unique formula of 4 essential oils: Eucalyptol, Menthol, Methyl salicylate, and Thymol. These unique essential oils are combined with an alcohol formula to form the liquid that we see as we look at a Listerine bottle on the store shelves. This alcohol formula allows the unique essential oils to penetrate the cell walls of the destructive microbes thus preventing the bacteria from forming a harmful substance that can grow on the tooth surface. [5] For those of us who have a sensitivity to the burning that is evident in the traditional Listerine product, Listerine has created a less intense alcohol-free formula. Look for the ZERO™ trademark on the label.[6]
Colgate Advantage pro-shield
The active ingredient in Colgate Advantage pro-shield is Cetylpyridinium chloride or (CPC). “Cetylpyridinium chloride is a chemical that destroys or cleanses harmful bacteria from organic surfaces.”[7] When mixed with a peppermint flavor, it has the ability to: Kill 99% of germs on contact, significantly reduce plaque, help prevent gingivitis, and freshens breath without the burn of alcohol. Colgate Advantage pro-shield has been known to protect against germs for 12-hours even after eating and drinking.[8]
Crest Pro-health
The active ingredient in Pro-health is also Cetylpyridinium chloride or (CPC). “Cetylpyridinium chloride is an antiseptic ammonium compound.[9] It can be found in some of our cleaning products and over the counter mouthwashes and toothpaste. Mixed with water, glycerin, and other ingredients it makes the refreshing Crest Pro-Health rinse.
Crest has created a variety of antimicrobial rinses that are designed to: fight tartar formation, kill bacteria, remineralize the teeth, prevent plaque regrowth and fight bad breath. [10]
As a consumer, it can be a daunting task to choose a mouth rinse that will kill bacteria and cater to individual needs. Again if there are any questions as to which mouthwash is best for you, seek professional advice.
Tess Hulet RDH, MHSM
[1] http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/antimicrobial [2] http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-antimicrobial-mouthwash.htm[3] http://www.emedicinehealth.com/gingivitis/article_em.htm [4] http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/242321.php [5] http://www.listerineprofessional.com/deepestclean [6] http://www.listerine.com/products/zero-mouthwash?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Branded+-+Zero&utm_term=listerine%20zero&utm_content=Zero|mkwid|hSlCwXpu|pcrid|4753277107 [7] http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-cetylpyridinium-chloride.htm [8] http://www.colgatetotal.com/mouthwash/advanced-pro-shield [9] http://www.ehow.com/info_8698768_ingredients-crest-prohealth-rinse.html
[10] http://www.crestprohealth.com/crest-products/pro-health-rinses.aspx?utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=buy%20crest%20mouthwash&utm_campaign=CPH_Search_Desktop_Brand+Purchase_Rinse|Buy_Rinse&utm_content=byMsTomG4_4778621494_b_buy%20crest%20mouthwash