While regularly brushing the teeth has long been considered the most critical component of an oral health regimen, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology concludes that when it comes to preventing gum disease, antibacterial mouthwash can have benefits over mechanical cleaning alone. 

According to the study by Figuero et al., severe periodontitis (gum disease) affects 11 percent of the global population, making it the sixth-most prevalent health condition. Both periodontitis and gingivitis (gum inflammation) are considered to be an inflammatory disease. While brushing and flossing can help reduce the plaque bacteria that cause periodontitis and gingivitis, the authors say mechanical cleaning alone typically isn’t adequate to maintain good periodontal health.

A summary report on the study appears in the online journal Dentistry.co.uk, which says,

“Figuero and colleagues conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis exploring the adjunctive use of 11 different mouth rinse formulations. They concluded that adjunctive antiseptics in mouthwash provide statistically significant reductions in plaque compared to controls at six months.

“They also came to the conclusion that, ‘despite the high variability in the number of studies comparing each active agent and the different risks of bias, CHX [chlorhexidine] and EOs [essential oils] in mouth rinses appeared to be the most effective active agents for plaque . . . control.’”

Information sourced by Jonathan Richter, DDS, FAGD, of Cariodontal, 310 E. Shore Rd., Ste. 101, Great Neck, NY. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 516-282-0310 or visit Cariodontal.com. See ad, back cover.