Antimicrobial mouthrinse as part of a comprehensive oral care regimen. Safety and compliance factors.
BACKGROUND
Antimicrobial mouthrinses often are used as part of daily oral care to reduce plaque and gingivitis. Although several safety factors have been associated with long-term use of alcohol-containing mouthrinses, numerous studies support the safety of these products in daily care. Patient compliance with daily rinsing is important for successful outcomes.


METHODS
The authors reviewed studies relating to the safety and efficacy of alcohol-containing mouthrinses, as well as studies indicating that most patients fail to comply with oral health care recommendations. The authors also reviewed a behavioral change theory and applied it to oral health care.


CONCLUSIONS
Alcohol-containing antimicrobial mouthrinses are safe and effective as part of a daily oral care regimen to prevent or minimize periodontal disease. However, many patients do not comply with instructions on how to use them.


CONCLUSIONS
Antimicrobial mouthrinses are safe and effective, and when used in conjunction with brushing and flossing, they are an important method of reducing plaque and gingivitis. To improve compliance, dental health care professionals should adapt oral health care recommendations to fit patients' specific needs.
Silverman
Sol
S
University of California, San Francisco, 521 Parnassus Ave., Box 0422, San Francisco, Calif 94143-0422. silvermans@dentistry.ucsf.edu
Wilder
Rebecca
R
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D000431:Ethanol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010349:Patient Compliance
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D009067:Mouthwashes; D000431:Ethanol