Side effects and short effects of using three common mouthwashes on oral health and quality of life: A quasi-experimental study.

Background: Antiseptic mouthwashes are useful adjuncts to daily brushing and flossing for the control of dental plaque and gingivitis. The objective of the present study was to compare the effect of three mouthwashes: chlorhexidine, essential oils and cetylpyridinium chloride on oral health-related quality of life, gingival health, tongue coating and also to compare their potential side effects after 2-week consumption.
Methods: Sixty participants were enrolled in this study and were divided into four groups (three mouthwash groups plus no mouthwash group). At the beginning, scaling and cleaning were performed and the following parameters were recorded: oral health impact profile (OHIP-5) questionnaire, tongue coating index, modified gingival index, calculus surface index, modified Lobene stain index and a questionnaire for side effects. Each group has followed up in 2 weeks. Data were analysed using paired t-test, ANOVA, Fisher's exact test and Pearson chi-square.
Results: At the end of second week, all three mouthwashes significantly improved OHIP-5 score and reduced modified gingival index whereas essential oils and cetylpyridinium chloride significantly reduced tongue coating index when compared to control group (p < 0.05). The differences between four groups were significant for calculus formation, dental staining and reported burning sensation and changes of taste sensation and perception (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: The use of all three mouthwashes has been effective in controlling and reducing gingivitis and tongue coating; however, it appeared that essential oils has the minimum and Chlorhexidine has the maximum side effects. Moreover, the use of all three mouthwashes has been examined to improve the quality of life. Overall, essential oils mouthwash has the best performance among these three mouthwashes.
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