An in vitro comparative study determining bactericidal activity of stabilized chlorine dioxide and other oral rinses.

OBJECTIVE The study was conducted to determine the bactericidal activity of a stabilized chlorine dioxide oral rinse (ClōSYS Oral Rinse) compared to products currently available on the market. METHODS Oral bacteria associated with gingivitis and periodontitis were exposed to rinses for one minute and five minutes. The numbers of colony forming units per milliliter (CFU/ml) were measured prior to and following exposure to determine the bactericidal activity. RESULTS As expected, Listerine and Crest Pro-Health demonstrated complete kill on all bacteria exposed within one minute. Breath Rx exhibited the weakest levels of bactericidal effects overall. ClōSYS and chlorhexidine rinses proved identical 100% kills against the periodontal pathogens at five minutes; in some cases, ClōSYS oral rinse achieved a higher kill at the one-minute mark over the chlorhexidine rinse. CONCLUSION The results demonstrated that ClōSYS Oral Rinse has potential for providing a therapeutic benefit, making it an attractive option to induce compliance in patients concerned about taste and tooth discoloration during oral health therapy.