Use of Essential Oil-containing Mouthrinses by Xerostomic Individuals:

Determination of Potential for Oral Mucosa Irritation1

- Fischman SL, Aguirre A, Charles CH. Use of essential oil-containing mouthrinses by xerostomic individuals: determination of potential for oral mucosa irritation. Am J Dent. 2004;17(1):23-36.

Does LISTERINE® Cause Dry Mouth?

Objective

Assess the irritation potential of an essential oil-containing mouthrinse (LISTERINE®Antiseptic) in a population with objectively documented xerostomia (hyposalivation) using an exaggerated-exposure clinical model (N=18).

Methodology

Observer-blinded crossover study of subjects (aged ≥18 years) with a history of xerostomia secondary to medication or Sjorgren’s syndrome and an unstimulated salivary flow rate of <0.25 mL/minute.

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Results

The oral irritation potential of the essential oil mouthrinse was minimal.

  • All subjects tolerated the mouthrinses well
  • With the exception of 2 subjects, none developed oral mucosal lesions during the course of the study that could be attributable to the test rinses
  • 2 subjects had an asymptomatic “whitish slough” of the buccal mucosae after rinsing with the essential oil mouthrinse for 7 days (wiped off readily, leaving a normal appearing, non-erythematous mucosa). In both subjects, the mucosae appeared normal at the 14-day exam

Conclusion

“…these findings suggest that the act of daily rinsing has no negative or deleterious effect in this population.”*

*LISTERINE® Antiseptic is not indicated for use in the treatment of xerostomia.

Reference: 1. Fischman SL, Aguirre A, Charles CH. Use of essential oil-containing mouthrinses by xerostomic individuals: determination of potential for oral mucosa irritation. Am J Dent. 2004;17(1):23-36.