Mouthwashes used alone before patient care: reflections and implications of what they represent

ALBERTO CONSOLARO

Objective: To think on the clinical and biological meaning of mouthwashes when used alone, outside the context of oral hygiene represented by brushing with toothpastes and dental floss. Scientific basis: Microbial biofilms present a protective mantle in the form of a polysaccharide gel, through which, in the light of current knowledge, defense agents or antibiotic and antiseptic products do not pass. Conclusions: 1) Mouthwash with oral rinse before the dental procedures only brings the sensation of pleasant smell and well-being, but it should not be considered a safe antisepsis of the oral environment; 2) Used alone, they do not reduce the microbiota, due to the short time of action of the antiseptics in the mouth and the fact that they do not destroy or disorganize microbial biofilms; 3) If, before rinsing, brushing with toothpaste and flossing is performed, it can act efficiently on many planktonic bacteria that have become detached from microbial biofilms during mechanical procedures; 4) The ideal is an oral hygiene session with brushing using toothpaste and dental floss, being possible to finish with a mouthwash, before all procedure in any dental specialty — It would be biologically safer, due to the considerable reduction of microbial biofilms and planktonic bacteria.

Keywords: Antisepsis. Antiseptics. Oral rinses. Mouthwashes. Microbial biofilms.

How to cite: Consolaro A. Mouthwashes used alone before patient care: reflections and implications of what they represent. Clin Orthod. 2022 Apr-May;21(2):124-9.

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