Remineralization potential of an anticaries/antigingivitis mouthrinse.

PURPOSE: To assess the ability of a new formulation (Listerine with 0.022% NaF) to remineralize initially decalcified bovine enamel compared to a positive control, clinically established 0.022% NaF rinse. METHODS: A cyclic demineralization/remineralization in vitro model was utilized and the level of remineralization was monitored by examining the Knoop microhardness over 6 and 18 D/T/R cycles RESULTS: (1) both the test formulation and positive control rinses were statistically significantly effective in remineralizing artificial lesions in vitro; and (2) the test formulation performed "at least as good as" the positive control. These results support the concept that the remineralization potential of the fluoride rinse is not adversely affected by the addition of essential oils.

Effect of fluoride/essential oils-containing mouthrinse on the microhardness of demineralized bovine enamel.

PURPOSE: To assess the ability of a fluoride mouthrinse containing a fixed combination of essential oils (thymol, menthol, eucalyptol, and methyl salicylate) to inhibit demineralization as compared with that of a clinically established NaF rinse. METHODS: Inhibition in sound bovine enamel to demineralization was assessed utilizing a cyclic T/R/D (treatment/remineralization/demineralization) in vitro model where Knoop microhardness was monitored over 6, 12, and 18 T/R/D cycles. RESULTS: Both fluoride-containing mouthrinses resulted in statistically significant increase in microhardness when compared to the non-fluoride control mouthrinse, possibly demonstrating and validating the in vitro model's ability to parallel the clinically established benefit of a 0.022% NaF rinse to inhibit demineralization. In addition, the test formulation was shown to be "at least as good as" the NaF positive control in increasing enamel microhardness following each of the 6, 12, and 18 T/R/D cycles.

Inhibition of calculus formation by dentifrice formulations containing essential oils and zinc.

PURPOSE: To examine the effect of three essential oil-containing dentifrice formulations with different zinc salts and concentrations on dental calculus formation in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 rats were randomly distributed into five litter and sex-matched groups of 30. They were maintained on a calculogenic diet and topically treated twice daily with undiluted dentifrices. Each experimental dentifrice formulation contained a zinc salt, a fixed combination of essential oils (i.e. eucalyptol, menthol, methyl salicylate, and thymol) and a hydrated silica abrasive. Commercial zinc-free and zinc-containing dentifrices were included as negative and positive controls, respectively. After 17 days calculus was scored post-mortem on molar teeth. RESULTS: All groups of rats treated with zinc-containing dentifrices had significantly (P < 0.05) lower mean calculus scores than the group treated with a zinc-free control dentifrice. Other variables (e.g. fomulation type, essential oil content, zinc salt and concentration) did not significantly affect calculus scores. Thus, all three essential oil/zinc-containing dentifrices and a commercial, zinc-containing, tartar-control dentifrice inhibited calculus formation in this rat model.