The effects of a mouthrinse containing sodium benzoate and alcohol on the quantity and metabolism of dental plaque.

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a pre-brushing rinse containing sodium benzoate and alcohol, on 2 week old dental plaque. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study 20 individuals abstained from oral hygiene for periods of 2 weeks. Ten individuals were then assigned to rinse once for 30 seconds with either the test mouthrinse or a placebo mouthrinse. Following this, all individuals had their teeth cleaned and maintained proper oral hygiene for four weeks before the experiment was repeated. This time, the control individuals were assigned to the test rinse and vice versa. Using the Plaque Index on three buccal sites on all teeth, plaque was recorded before and after rinsing, as well as following a subsequent toothbrushing. For metabolic studies plaque from the lingual surfaces on the teeth in one quadrant in the upper and the lower jaw was sampled before rinsing and from the two remaining quadrants following the rinse, and analysed. There was no difference in Plaque Index between the two experimental periods. An oral rinse with the test mouthrinse had no effect on the amount of plaque, nor did it enhance the subsequent plaque removal after brushing. The independent biochemical analysis showed a significant effect of rinsing on the glycolytic potential, but with no effect on the glycolytic profile, which was similar for test and control plaque samples. Thus, a single oral rinse with a mouthrinse containing sodium benzoate and alcohol does not affect removal of plaque nor does it seems to influence the glycolytic potential of the plaque.