Anti-plaque Effect of A Cetylpyridinium Chloride Oral Rinse

Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) is an anti-bacterial agent used in the oral rinse formulation. Its' quaternary ammonium structure is known to interact with negatively charged molecules which could lead to reduced antibacterial effect. We have developed a new formula with less CPC interaction with other negatively charged molecules. In vitro studies showed that this formula provided enhanced antibacterial effect. It is very common that an oral rinse is used after toothpaste brushing. However, toothpaste usually contains many negatively charged molecules, eg. SLS, fluoride and phosphate salt, it would be interested to study post-brushing effect of toothpaste on CPC rinse. This clinical study evaluated the anti-plaque effect of a new CPC rinse after brushing with a fluoride toothpaste. Objective: This clinical study was to compare the impact of toothpaste brushing to CPC's anti-plaque effect after immediate post-brushing and post 1 hr brushing rinse. Method: A published clinical method known as Modified Gingival Plaque Index (MGMPI) was used to study CPC rinse anti-plaque effect in a crossover design. Briefly, dental plaque formation along the gingival margin was measured from 0-24 hrs post-brushing with a toothpaste and a 0.05% CPC rinse. In this study CPC rinse was used at immediate post-brushing and 1hr post-brushing. Results: The MGMPI study showed that there was no significant difference between 0 and 1 hr post-brushing rinse. Use of rinse at either time points demonstrated significant plaque control, 17.8% and 18.3%, respectively, vs. not use of the rinse. Conclusion: The study confirmed that the new CPC rinse delivered anti-plaque clinical efficacy. The data suggest that toothpaste residues from a post-brushing did not impact the rinse's plaque control effect if a formula remains a limited ionic interaction. This type formula provides consumer an flexible way for use of oral rinse and use of oral rinse is beneficial for oral health.