Efficacy of antioxidant mouthwash in the reduction of halitosis: A randomized, double blind, controlled crossover clinical trial

Abstract

Background/purpose Halitosis is the unpleasant and offensive odour in exhaled air, which is linked to the presence of volatile sulphur compounds (VSC). Different mouthwashes have been used to treat halitosis. The objective of this study was to test the effect of an antioxidant (AO) mouthwash, and mouthwash containing [0.05% chlorhexidine, 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride, and 0.14% zinc lactate (CHX-CPC-Zn)] on VSC. Material and methods Thirty-five subjects with halitosis participated in this clinical trial. At the baseline visit, a breath sample was taken and analyzed for the level of hydrogen sulphide (H 2 S), methyl mercaptan (CH 3 SH), and dimethyl sulphide (CH 3 SCH 3 ) using portable gas chromatography (OralChroma™). Two mouthwashes were randomly provided to each subject in addition to saline solution (NaCl 0.9%) as control. Subjects were instructed to rinse with 20 ml of the mouthwash for 1 min twice daily for 2 weeks. At second visit, post-treatment breath sample was taken. Afterward, the patient was asked to refrain from using mouthwash for a washout period of 1 week. A similar procedure was repeated for each mouthwash interval. Results No significant differences in VSC level between all three groups were detected at baseline. A significant reduction in VSC level was obtained after using CHX-CPC-Zn mouthwash. On other hand, both AO mouthwash and saline had no significant impact on the level of VSC. Conclusion CHX-CPC-Zn mouthwash has a significant effect on VSC level reduction in subjects with confirmed halitosis. Besides, using AO mouthwash regularly for 2 weeks did not have any impact on improving the level of halitosis.

Efficacy of Arabic Coffee and Black Tea in Reducing Halitosis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled, Crossover Clinical Trial

“…In this study, the data demonstrated the positive impact of using CHX-CPC-Zn mouthwash on reducing the VSC. This study’s results are in agreement with those of previous studies, which showed the beneficial impact of using CHX-CPC-Zn mouthwash [ 13 , 42 , 43 , 44 ]. In a systematic review, Blom et al concluded that CHX-CPC-Zn mouthwash provided the best evidence in the bifacial effect concerning halitosis [ 12 ].…”

“…Several types of mouthwash reportedly treat halitosis effectively with specific active ingredients, such as: chlorhexidine gluconate [ 9 ], essential oils [ 10 ], and triclosan [ 11 ]. Some reports suggest that mouthwashes consisting of chlorhexidine gluconate and a combination of cetylpyridinum chloride with zinc yield better outcomes in treating oral malodor [ 12 , 13 ]. Additionally, patients suffering from halitosis have used some natural herbal products that might provide a masking effect against bad breath odor.…”

Effects of thyme on halitosis in gingivitis patients: Can thyme mouthwash prevent halitosis—A randomized trial

“…Chemical reduction in VSC‐producing bacteria supports the view that it constitutes another therapeutic strategy 15 . These findings are consistent with previous studies showing that mouthwash use reduces halitosis 14,16,31 …”

“…In addition to the mechanical treatment, chemotherapeutic agents may also be recommended 13 . Various types of mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine (CHX), antioxidants, cetylpyridinium chloride, zinc or their combinations were reported to provide convincing results in the treatment of bad breath 1,14,15 . On the other hand, the effectiveness of chemical agents in reducing bad breath was also considered to be weak 15 .…”

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Lacer HaliTM Treatment on the Management of Halitosis: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial

“…In this study, we compared Lacer Hali™, whose main composition is octenidine dihydrochloride, with a placebo group, and Halita™. The results obtained with Halita™ confirmed previous studies showing its greater efficacy against the placebo [ 52 ].…”