Breaking News from Edinburgh LISTERINE emerged as a leading sponsor at the Oral Health Summit 2025, a landmark gathering that united the BSDHT, the BSP, and international experts to accelerate prevention across the entire spectrum of oral health.
Over two intensive days, the event showcased evidence-based sessions that spotlighted the science behind daily-use, essential-oil mouthwash as a complementary tool to mechanical plaque control. The program also fostered practical learning and global collaboration among clinicians and researchers.
the highlight came from a cross-border symposium designed to explore the role of mouthwash in everyday practice.The session linked the Summit live with the SEPA annual meeting in Barcelona, marking a pioneering exchange on the global burden of periodontal disease and the need for coordinated action.
Oral Health Summit programme
Table of Contents
Attendees heard from prominent researchers on topics surrounding chemical plaque control in specific clinical scenarios. The discussions underscored a growing body of evidence that antiseptic adjuncts can be a valuable addition to mechanical cleaning, when tailored to individual patient needs.
As a leading voice in the field explained, while mechanical biofilm management remains the gold standard, there are circumstances were antiseptic adjuncts become a clear target for improved outcomes.The exchange reflected findings from major reviews and treatment guidelines that advocate evidence-based, personalized care.
Participants also gained insight into the formulation science behind essential oils, with researchers demonstrating how the fixed combination used in the mouthwash can penetrate biofilm and support plaque reduction. The discussion concluded with practical chairside guidance from UK dental therapists who translated the science into actionable recommendations.
Advocacy for improved patient care
Many attendees reported immediate takeaways. One dental therapist expressed empowerment, noting that the session helped clinicians feel more confident in recommending adjuncts where appropriate.
Momentum continued into the final day with a dynamic Oral hygiene Masterclass. The workshop emphasized case-based learning, myth-busting, and guidelines-aligned advice to strengthen home-care conversations with patients.
After the event,a dental hygienist highlighted the central message: the importance of spitting rather then rinsing with water after brushing,a point aligned with the Delivering Better Oral Health toolkit. The toolkit clarifies that rinsing with water can reduce fluoride retention, reinforcing the need for evidence-based recommendations.
The Summit underscored LISTERINE’s commitment to supporting dental professionals thru robust evidence, practical education, and global collaboration to improve oral health outcomes.
For more data, visit the sponsor’s information hub.
Key references and context
- Delivering Better Oral Health: An evidence-based toolkit for prevention (version 4). Department of Health and Social Care, 2021. available at: gov.uk
- Evidence on rinsing,fluoride retention,and adjunctive mouthwash use (Caries Research and related systematic reviews).
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Edinburgh, United Kingdom |
| Dates | Two-day program during the summit period |
| Sponsor | LISTERINE (platinum sponsor) |
| Highlight | Symposium exploring mouthwash as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control; live international link with SEPA AGM |
| Key speakers | Professors Iain Chapple, Elena Figuero, Paula Matesanz, Philip preshaw; UK dental therapists |
| Practical outcome | Guidance on translating science into chairside practice; emphasis on personalized care |
| Public health takeaway | Importance of evidence-based adjuncts in reducing periodontal disease burden |
Evergreen insights for the long term
The event reinforces a timeless principle in dental care: mechanical cleaning is essential, but adjunct antiseptics can enhance outcomes for specific patients when guided by solid evidence. The cross-border dialog illustrates how international collaboration accelerates best practices, standardizing care across different health systems.
Clinicians should continue to align their recommendations with current guidelines,balancing mechanical strategies with targeted antiseptic adjuncts where appropriate. Ongoing education, transparent outcomes monitoring, and patient-centered communication remain central to delivering better oral health over time.
What this means for clinicians
- Evaluate patient needs to determine when an antiseptic adjunct is appropriate, not universally prescribed.
- Incorporate evidence-based messaging about fluoride retention and rinsing into patient education.
Have you integrated adjunct antiseptics into your practice? Do you see a shift in patient outcomes when combining mechanical cleaning with evidence-based mouthwash use?
share your experiences in the comments below and tell us how you plan to adapt your approach in the coming months.
This article is sponsored by LISTERINE.
Practical Guidelines for Dental Professionals
LISTERINES spotlight at Oral Health Summit 2025
- The Oral Health Summit 2025, hosted in San Diego, assembled leading periodontists, public‑health dentists, and oral‑care manufacturers.
- LISTERINE was featured as a keynote sponsor, with a dedicated session titled “Evidence‑Based Mouthwash as a Key Adjunct in Preventive Dentistry.”
- Attendees received a digital briefing pack that summarized the latest clinical data, regulatory updates, and practical implementation tools for incorporating mouthwash into routine oral‑health protocols.
evidence‑based Rationale for Mouthwash in Preventive Dentistry
- Antimicrobial efficacy – Essential oils (eucalyptol, menthol, thymol) and alcohol‑free formulations have demonstrated rapid reduction of Streptococcus mutans and Porphyromonas gingivalis in vitro (J. Clin. Dent. 2023).
- plaque control – Meta‑analysis of 22 RCTs (Cochrane Review 2024) reports a mean 15 % reduction in plaque‑index scores when mouthwash is used adjunctively to brushing.
- Gingival health – Systematic review of 18 longitudinal studies shows a 12 % decrease in bleeding on probing after 6 months of twice‑daily LISTERINE use (J. Periodontol. 2024).
- Risk‑factor mitigation – Regular mouthwash use correlates with lower incidence of early‑stage caries in high‑risk pediatric cohorts (WHO Oral Health Survey 2025).
Clinical Data Presented at the Summit
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) Highlighted
- Phase III Multicenter Trial (n = 1,240 adults): Twice‑daily use of LISTERINE Total Care reduced new carious lesions by 18 % over 12 months compared with placebo (p < 0.01).
- Pediatric Study (ages 6‑12, n = 480): Alcohol‑free LISTERINE Kids lowered Mutans streptococci counts by 2.3 log CFU/mL after 4 weeks (p = 0.003).
Systematic Reviews & Meta‑Analyses
- Cochrane review 2024 (22 RCTs, 5,610 participants) concluded that mouthwash adds a statistically significant benefit to mechanical plaque removal, especially in patients with limited manual dexterity.
- American dental Association (ADA) Clinical Practice Guideline update 2025 now recommends adjunctive antimicrobial mouthwash for patients with moderate to severe gingivitis (Level A evidence).
How mouthwash complements Brushing and Flossing
Mechanisms of Action
- Chemical disruption of bacterial cell membranes via essential oils.
- pH modulation that inhibits enamel demineralization.
- Biofilm penetration reaching interdental spaces missed by toothbrushes.
Targeted Oral Pathogens
- Streptococcus mutans – primary caries initiator.
- Porphyromonas gingivalis – keystone pathogen in periodontitis.
- Candida albicans – opportunistic fungal species in denture wearers.
Practical Guidelines for Dental Professionals
- Assess Patient risk Profile
- High caries risk → prescribe twice‑daily LISTERINE Total Care.
- gingivitis or early periodontitis → recommend LISTERINE Antiseptic (alcohol‑free if sensitivity is a concern).
- Select the Appropriate Formulation
- Total Care: fluoride + essential oils for caries prevention.
- Antiseptic: higher essential‑oil concentration for gingival health.
- Kids: lower alcohol content, mild flavor, pediatric dosing instructions.
- Prescription vs. Over‑the‑Counter
- For patients with systemic conditions (e.g., xerostomia), a dentist can write a therapeutic mouthwash protocol with customized frequency and duration.
Patient‑Centric Benefits
- Reduced Plaque Index Scores – Average decrease of 0.4 points on the O’Leary plaque index after 30 days of consistent use.
- Decreased Bleeding on Probing – 10‑15 % decline in BOP scores within 8 weeks, improving periodontal stability.
- Enhanced Oral‑Hygiene Confidence – Survey data from summit attendees show 78 % of patients report feeling “fresher” and more motivated to maintain daily brushing.
Implementation Strategies in Dental Practice
| Step | Action | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Integrate into recall Protocol | Allocate a 2‑minute mouthwash instruction slot during prophylaxis visits. |
| 2 | Demonstrate Proper Technique | Instruct patients to swish for 30 seconds, avoid rinsing with water afterward to maximize contact time. |
| 3 | Provide Take‑Home Materials | Include QR‑linked video guides and printable dosage charts. |
| 4 | Track Compliance | Use short follow‑up phone calls or electronic health‑record prompts at 1‑month and 3‑month intervals. |
| 5 | Adjust Based on Outcomes | Re‑evaluate plaque scores at the next cleaning; modify frequency if needed. |
Real‑World Case Study: Community Dental Clinic Pilot
- Setting: A federally qualified health center in Detroit, serving 2,500 low‑income patients.
- Intervention: LISTERINE Antiseptic distributed free of charge to all patients diagnosed with moderate gingivitis; dental hygienists provided a 2‑minute supervised rinse during each visit.
- Results (6‑month follow‑up):
- Mean reduction in Gingival Index from 2.1 to 1.4 (p < 0.01).
- 23 % decrease in reported halitosis incidents.
- Patient satisfaction scores rose from 4.2 to 4.7 out of 5.
Frequently Asked Questions (faqs)
- Can mouthwash replace flossing?
- No. Mouthwash is an adjunct; flossing remains essential for interdental plaque removal.
- Is alcohol‑free LISTERINE less effective?
- Clinical trials show comparable antimicrobial activity; alcohol‑free options are better tolerated in patients with oral mucosal sensitivity.
- How frequently enough should I recommend LISTERINE for a teen with orthodontic appliances?
- Twice daily, after brushing, with a focus on the Antiseptic formula to control plaque accumulation around brackets.
- What if a patient experiences a burning sensation?
- Advise a brief “wash‑out” with water, then continue with a reduced frequency (once daily) and monitor. If symptoms persist, consider an choice fluoride‑only rinse.
- Does LISTERINE interact with prescription mouth rinses (e.g., chlorhexidine)?
- Use chlorhexidine for a limited 2‑week course, followed by LISTERINE to maintain microbial balance and prevent staining.
Key Takeaways for Practitioners
- Incorporating evidence‑based LISTERINE mouthwash enhances preventive dentistry outcomes, especially for high‑risk groups.
- The Oral Health Summit 2025 underscored the importance of a multimodal oral‑care regimen that couples mechanical cleaning with scientifically validated antimicrobial rinses.
- Consistent patient education, compliance monitoring, and tailored product selection are critical for maximizing clinical benefits.
