Effects of a Novel Formulation on Oral Biofilm, pH Buffering, and Gingival Health in Patients with Dry Mouth.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized crossover trial
PubMed 30356392 · doi:10.1155/2018/2748274
What was done
Ten subjects with dry mouth completed a randomized crossover trial evaluating three conditions in random sequence: a novel test mouthwash (Oral Essentials Hydrating Formula Mouthwash), an active commercial control rinse (Biotène Dry Mouth Oral Rinse), and a no-treatment control period. Outcomes measured at baseline and after each intervention arm included Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Sulcus Bleeding Index, plaque staining, salivary volume, salivary pH, salivary buffering capacity, and patient questionnaires assessing dry mouth and dentinal sensitivity.
What was found
Both the novel test mouthwash and the active control rinse produced significant reductions in plaque presence and clinical indices (p < 0.05), with similar performance between the two active products. Both active rinses also led to significant improvements in salivary volume and pH buffering capacity compared to no treatment (p < 0.05). Specific numerical values, baseline scores, and effect sizes were not reported in the abstract.
Why it matters
The findings indicate that the novel hydrating rinse formulation provides short-term improvements in oral biofilm control and salivary buffering comparable to an established over-the-counter dry mouth rinse.
Limits
The sample size was extremely small (n = 10), limiting statistical power and generalizability. The abstract reports p-values without numerical means, standard deviations, or effect sizes. Details regarding the duration of each treatment arm, washout intervals, and blinding were not specified in the abstract.