The use of mouthwash containing essential oils (LISTERINE®) to improve oral health: A systematic review

Abstract

Background Standard recommendations to maintain daily oral hygiene include tooth brushing and interdental cleaning. Evidence from literature indicates that using a mouthrinse as an adjunct provides benefit beyond mechanical methods. The objective of this article was to evaluate the short- and long-term effect of a mouthwash containing essential oils (LISTERINE®) in improving oral health. Methods PubMed (MEDLINE) and bibliographies from the relevant retrieved reviews were searched to identify clinical studies involving the use of LISTERINE mouthrinse. The primary outcome measure was short- and long-term efficacy of mouthrinse containing essential oil (LISTERINE®) in improving oral health. Results Based on our search, 26 studies supported the use of essential-oil-containing mouthrinse (LISTERINE®) as an adjunct to daily oral health regimen. Most studies were conducted in healthy subjects, 2 studies in orthodontic patients, 1 each in xerostomia patients and mentally disabled patients. Of these, 13 studies supported the short-term (<3 months) and 13 studies supported the long-term (3–6 months) efficacy of LISTERINE mouthrinse as an adjunct to mechanical methods. Conclusions This review provides strong evidence of the anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects of essential-oil-containing mouthrinse LISTERINE® as an adjunct to daily tooth brushing and interdental cleaning.