Commercial Mouthwash Research Articles

Efficacy of a mouthwash containing 0.8% arginine, PVM/MA copolymer, pyrophosphates, and 0.05% sodium fluoride compared to a commercial mouthwash containing 2.4% potassium nitrate and 0.022% sodium fluoride and a control mouthwash containing 0.05% sodium fluoride on dentine hypersensitivity: A six-week randomized clinical study

ObjectiveEvaluate the efficacy of 0.8% arginine, potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride mouthwashes on dentine hypersensitivity reduction. MethodsSix week randomized, double blinded, two cell, parallel single centre clinical study in the Dominican Republic; subjects were randomized into three treatment groups: mouthwash containing 0.8% arginine, PVM/MA copolymer, pyrophosphates, and 0.05% sodium fluoride in an alcohol-free base (arginine); mouthwash containing 2.4% potassium nitrate and 0.022% sodium fluoride (potassium nitrate); a control mouthwash containing 0.05% sodium fluoride (negative control). Tactile and air-blast dentine hypersensitivity assessments were conducted at baseline, thirty minutes post rinsing and two, four, and six weeks of twice-daily product use. For treatment group comparisons, ANCOVA and post hoc Tukey's pair-wise comparisons (α=0.05) were done. ResultsSeventy-five subjects were enrolled; 69 subjects completed the study. There were no differences after thirty minutes of a single use, among the three groups with respect to mean tactile and air blast hypersensitivity scores compared to potassium nitrate and negative control mouthwashes (p<0.05). The arginine group presented a statistically significant improvement in the mean tactile scores compared to potassium nitrate and negative control groups after two, four, and six weeks (p<0.001) of product use; the arginine group showed a statistically significant enhancement in air blast hypersensitivity mean scores compared to potassium nitrate and negative control groups after two (p=0.001), four (p<0.001), and six weeks (p<0.001) of product use. ConclusionA mouthwash containing arginine provides a significant and superior reduction in dentine hypersensitivity compared to potassium nitrate and a negative control mouthwash after two weeks.

Analysis of 4-hydroxy-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (HPB)-releasing DNA adducts in human exfoliated oral mucosa cells by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry.

Quantitation of DNA adducts could provide critical information on the relationship between exposure to tobacco smoke and cancer risk in smokers. In this study, we developed a robust and sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method for the analysis of 4-hydroxy-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (HPB)-releasing DNA adducts in human oral cells, a noninvasive source of DNA for biomarker studies. Isolated DNA undergoes acid hydrolysis, after which samples are purified by solid-phase extraction and analyzed by LC-ESI-MS/MS. The developed method was applied to the analysis of samples obtained via collection with a commercial mouthwash from 30 smokers and 15 nonsmokers. In smokers, the levels of HPB-releasing DNA adducts averaged 12.0 pmol HPB/mg DNA (detected in 20 out of 28 samples with quantifiable DNA yield), and in nonsmokers, the levels of adducts averaged 0.23 pmol/mg DNA (detected in 3 out of 15 samples). For the 30 smoking subjects, matching buccal brushings were also analyzed, and HPB-releasing DNA adducts were detected in 24 out of 27 samples with quantifiable DNA yield, averaging 44.7 pmol HPB/mg DNA. The levels of adducts in buccal brushings correlated with those in mouthwash samples of smokers (R = 0.73, p < 0.0001). Potentially, the method can be applied in studies of individual susceptibility to tobacco-induced cancers in humans.

Antibacterial effect of water-soluble chitosan on representative dental pathogens Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli brevis

Dental caries is still a major oral health problem in most industrialized countries. The development of dental caries primarily involves Lactobacilli spp. and Streptococcus mutans. Although antibacterial ingredients are used against oral bacteria to reduce dental caries, some reports that show partial antibacterial ingredients could result in side effects.ObjectivesThe main objective is to test the antibacterial effect of water-soluble chitosan while the evaluation of the mouthwash appears as a secondary aim. Material and MethodsThe chitosan was obtained from the Application Chemistry Company (Taiwan). The authors investigated the antibacterial effects of water-soluble chitosan against oral bacteria at different temperatures (25-37ºC) and pH values (pH 5-8), and evaluated the antibacterial activities of a self-made water-soluble chitosan-containing mouthwash by in vitro and in vivo experiments, and analyzed the acute toxicity of the mouthwashes. The acute toxicity was analyzed with the pollen tube growth (PTG) test. The growth inhibition values against the logarithmic scale of the test concentrations produced a concentrationresponse curve. The IC50 value was calculated by interpolation from the data. ResultsThe effect of the pH variation (5-8) on the antibacterial activity of water-soluble chitosan against tested oral bacteria was not significant. The maximal antibacterial activity of water-soluble chitosan occurred at 37ºC. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of water-soluble chitosan on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli brevis were 400 µg/mL and 500 µg/mL, respectively. Only 5 s of contact between water-soluble chitosan and oral bacteria attained at least 99.60% antibacterial activity at a concentration of 500 µg/mL. The water-soluble chitosan-containin g mouthwash significantly demonstrated antibacterial activity that was similar to that of commercial mouthwashes (>99.91%) in both in vitro and in vivo experiments. In addition, the alcohol-free mouthwash exhibited no cytotoxicity and no oral stinging. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study to combine in vitro and in vivo investigations to analyze the antibacterial properties of water-soluble chitosan-containing mouthwash. ConclusionsThis study illustrated that water-soluble chitosan may be a viable alternative to commercial mouthwashes in the future.

Behavior of Dental/Implant Alloys in Commercial Mouthwash Solution Studied by Electrochemical Techniques

This study investigates the electrochemical behavior of the various dental materials: Paliag (Ag-Pd based), Wiron 99 (Ni-Cr based), Cp-Ti (commercial pure titanium), and experimental Ti12Mo5Ta alloy in commercial mouthwash solution with 500 ppm F− (Oral B®) and compares it with the behavior of the same dental materials in artificial saliva. Linear potentiodynamic polarization (LPP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) are the electrochemical procedures of investigation. The passivation of all dental samples in artificial saliva and mouthwash solution occurred spontaneously at open circuit potential. The corrosion current density of all tested dental materials in mouthwash solution were low (1-2 μA/cm2). The results suggest a non-predominant fluoride effect on the passive layer formed on all samples at open circuit potential. No passivation could be established with Paliag alloy when polarized in mouthwash solution. The EIS results confirm that all dental sample exhibit passivity in mouthwash solution at open circuit potential (polarization resistance was around 5 × 105 Ω cm2). For Paliag alloy after LPP in mouthwash solution the protectiveness passive layer was no more present. The corrosion resistances of four dental materials in mouthwash solution are in the following order: Ti12Mo5Ta > Cp-Ti > Wiron 99 > Paliag.

Effect of Psidium cattleianum leaf extract on enamel demineralisation and dental biofilm composition in situ

ObjectivePrevious evaluations of Psidium cattleianum leaf extract were not done in conditions similar to the oral environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of P. cattleianum leaf extract on enamel demineralisation, extracellular polysaccharide formation, and the microbial composition of dental biofilms formed in situ. DesignTen volunteers took part in this crossover study. They wore palatal appliances containing 4 enamel blocks for 14days. Each volunteer dripped 20% sucrose 8 times per day on the enamel blocks. Twice a day, deionised water (negative control), extract, or a commercial mouthwash (active control) was dripped after sucrose application. On the 12th and 13th days of the experiment, plaque acidogenicity was measured with a microelectrode, and the pH drop was calculated. On the 14th day, biofilms were harvested and total anaerobic microorganisms (TM), total streptococci (TS), mutans streptococci (MS), and extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) were evaluated. Enamel demineralisation was evaluated by the percentage change of surface microhardness (%ΔSMH) and integrated loss of subsurface hardness (ΔKHN). The researcher was blinded to the treatments during data collection. ResultsThe extract group showed lower TM, TS, MS, EPS, %ΔSMH, and ΔKHN values than the negative control group. There were no differences between the active and negative control groups regarding MS and EPS levels. There were no differences in pH drop between the extract and active control groups, although they were significantly different from the negative control group. For all other parameters, the extract differed from the active control group. ConclusionPsidium cattleianum leaf extract exhibits a potential anticariogenic effect.

In vitro antimicrobial activity of mouth washes and herbal products against dental biofilm-forming bacteria

Aim:To evaluate in vitro, the antimicrobial effect of Cymbopogon citrates (lemon grass), Plectranthusamboinicus (Mexican mint) and Conyzabonariensis (hairy fleabane) tinctures as well as pure and diluted commercial mouth washes (Malvatricin®, Periogard® and Listerine®) on wild isolates of Streptococcusmutans and reference strains of S. mutans, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus oralis and Lactobacillus casei by determination of minimum inhibitory dilution (MID).Materials and Methods:0.12% chlorhexidine and 70% corn alcohol were used as positive and negative controls, respectively. Saliva samples were collected from 3 volunteers and seeded in MSB broth to obtain Streptococcus isolates after 72-hour incubation. Using the agar diffusion method, susceptibility tests were performed with overnight incubation in microaerophilia at 37°C. All tests were performed in duplicate.Results:The bacterial species were resistant to the tinctures and Listerine®, but were susceptible to 0.12% chlorhexidine, Malvatricin® and Periogard®, with MIDs ranging from 12.5% to 1.56%.Conclusions:Plectrantusamboinicus, Conyzabonariensis and Cymbopongoncitratus tinctures and Listerine® did not show inhibitory action against the tested biofilm-forming bacteria.

Effects of different denture cleaning methods to remove Candida albicans from acrylic resin denture based material

Background/purpose Different denture cleaning methods have different effects. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of six different denture cleaning methods to remove Candida albicans that had accumulated on denture-based materials. Materials and methods We generated 140 identical acrylic resin specimens and soaked them in a suspension of C albicans. The reduction in microorganism counts after application of the different denture cleaning methods was calculated. Six cleaning methods were evaluated: a mechanical method of brushing with a toothbrush, a chemical method of soaking in a commercial cleansing tablet solution, a combined method of brushing and soaking in a commercial cleansing tablet solution, a chemical method of soaking in a commercial mouthwash solution, irradiation in an ultraviolet (UV)-light e-box, and soaking in distilled water. The effectiveness of the denture-cleaning methods in reducing C albicans was evaluated following a single cleaning event. Results The denture cleaning techniques had considerably different efficacies in reducing C albicans. There was no significant difference among the effectiveness levels of cleaning by brushing, soaking in a commercial cleansing tablet solution, or a combination of both in removing C albicans. Similarly, the effectiveness levels of soaking in a commercial mouthwash solution or irradiation in a UV-light e-box were statistically similar. Conclusion Compared to other methods, brushing, soaking in a commercial cleansing tablet solution, or a combination of both methods can significantly reduce the adherence of C albicans to denture samples. Compared to soaking in distilled water, soaking in a commercial mouthwash solution or irradiation with UV-light had more significant cleaning effects, but these methods were not as effective as the aforementioned three methods.

Commercial mouthwashes are more effective than azole antifungals against Candida albicans biofilms in vitro

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the activity of prescription and over-the-counter antimicrobial compounds against planktonic and biofilm forms of Candida albicans isolated from cases of oral candidiasis in vitro. The efficacy of azoles, polyenes, an echinocandin, and 4 over-the-counter mouthwashes were tested against C. albicans-derived planktonic and biofilm cells. Planktonic cells were shown to be highly sensitive to all of the antifungal agents tested. Sessile cells were highly resistant to azoles (≥128 mg/L) but equally sensitive to caspofungin and short treatments with Corsodyl, Listerine, and Oraldene. Although C. albicans is sensitive to azole antifungal agents in planktonic form, it is highly resistant within the biofilm. The good efficacy of the over-the-counter mouthwashes against candidal biofilms in vitro suggests that clinical trials should now be designed to establish their role in the clinical management of oral candidal infections.

Effect of Mo content on electrochemical behaviour of TiMo alloys for dental applications

AbstractCorrosion behaviour of the new TiMo alloys together with the currently used metallic biomaterials commercial pure titanium (Cp‐Ti) was investigated for dental applications. Ingots of composition Ti12Mo, Ti20Mo and Ti40Mo were synthesized by the cold crucible levitation melting (CCLM) technique. All the samples were examined using electrochemical techniques: open circuit potential, potentiodynamic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in two electrochemical media: artificial saliva and in commercial mouthwash solution with 450 ppm F− (Astera©, EU), at 25 °C. The passive behaviour for all the Ti samples is observed for artificial saliva and for commercial mouthwash solution. The results suggest a non‐predominant fluoride effect on the passive behaviours of titanium samples. The EIS technique was applied to study the nature of the passive film formed on all the samples at various potentials in artificial saliva and in commercial mouthwash solution. Equivalent circuits (EC) were used to modelling EIS data, in order to characterize samples surface and better understanding the effect of Mo addition on the Cp‐Ti. The TiMo alloys, with a dendritic arrangement, appear to possess superior corrosion resistance than the Cp‐Ti in both electrochemical media.

Effectiveness of Procedures for the Chemical-Mechanical Control of Dental Biofilm in Orthodontic Patients

Assess the effectiveness of chemical-mechanical control associated with orientation and motivation for the control of dental biofilm in orthodontic patients. Thirty patients between 12 and 21 years of age wearing a fixed orthodontic appliance were divided into three groups. The control group (G1) received orientation regarding oral hygiene. The experimental groups (G2 and G3) received orientation regarding oral hygiene and diet as well as a hygiene kit and mouthwash; the mouthwash given to G2 was a placebo and that given to G3 contained essential oils (Listerine). In the comparison between T0 and T60, vestibular gingivitis was worse in G1 (p<0.05), with no statistically significant differences regarding lingual gingivitis and biofilm. G2 and G3 exhibited a significant improvement in clinical conditions. In the comparison between groups, G3 had undergone a significantly greater improvement than the other groups. The use of the commercial mouthwash, together with mechanical oral hygiene, orientation, and motivation, proved to be adequate conduct for the maintenance of oral health in orthodontic patients. The present study contributes toward the maintenance of oral health in patients who wear a fixed orthodontic appliance through the prevention of dental biofilm buildup.

Effect of ethanol in mouthwashes on the surface hardness of a dental resin composite material

The previous study has shown that dental resins exhibited changes in the surface hardness when soaked in alcoholic beverages. As ethanol was one of the components contained in some commercial mouthwashes, therefore, the present study aimed at the effect of ethanol in some mouthwashes on the surface hardness of a dental resin composite. Specimens were prepared from a light cured dental resin composite. The specimens were then immersed in some commercial mouthwashes for periods up to 14 days. The surface hardness of the specimens was then measured using a Microhardness tester. The results displayed reductions in surface hardness (p&lt;0,01), upon one day of immersing the specimens in Bactidol®, Listerine® or Minosepe® mouthwash, respectively. The surface hardness curves from each mouthwash demonstrated a similar pattern which approached a plateau near 2 weeks. It can be concluded that the ethanol-containing mouthwashes appeared to have more implication on surface hardness of the dental resin composite and the effect of immersing in the mouthwashes was time-dependent; it decreased sharply on the first day of immersion, however, further changes, did not exist.

Gastroprotective and blood pressure lowering effects of dietary nitrate are abolished by an antiseptic mouthwash

Recently, it has been suggested that the supposedly inert nitrite anion is reduced in vivo to form bioactive nitric oxide with physiological and therapeutic implications in the gastrointestinal and cardiovascular systems. Intake of nitrate-rich food such as vegetables results in increased levels of circulating nitrite in a process suggested to involve nitrate-reducing bacteria in the oral cavity. Here we investigated the importance of the oral microflora and dietary nitrate in regulation of gastric mucosal defense and blood pressure. Rats were treated twice daily with a commercial antiseptic mouthwash while they were given nitrate-supplemented drinking water. The mouthwash greatly reduced the number of nitrate-reducing oral bacteria and as a consequence, nitrate-induced increases in gastric NO and circulating nitrite levels were markedly reduced. With the mouthwash the observed nitrate-induced increase in gastric mucus thickness was attenuated and the gastroprotective effect against an ulcerogenic compound was lost. Furthermore, the decrease in systemic blood pressure seen during nitrate supplementation was now absent. These results suggest that oral symbiotic bacteria modulate gastrointestinal and cardiovascular function via bioactivation of salivary nitrate. Excessive use of antiseptic mouthwashes may attenuate the bioactivity of dietary nitrate.

Candida inhibitory effects of six commercial mouthwashes

TheCandida inhibitory activities of commercial mouthwashes with various, active ingredients — fluoride (FLO), cethylpyridinium chloride (CPC), chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), triclosan (TRI) and herbal extracts: Twin Lotus (TLO) and Herbric concentrated (HBC) — were determined. TheCandida activities included growth, germ tube formation and adhesion ofCandida albicans to human buccal mucosa. This study showed that TRI, TLO and CHX mouthwashes had growth inhibitory effects toC. albicans with the MIC of 1/64, 1/64 and 1/32, respectively. CHX, TRI, TLO, HBC and CPC mouthwashes had ability to inhibit adhesion ofC. albicans ATCC 10231 by approximately 85, 80, 70, 65 and 55%, respectively. Germ tube formation, or mycelial conversion, ofC. albicans was inhibited by approximately 90, 85 and 80% after treatment with 20% mouthwashes containing CHX, TRI and CPC, respectively. Fluoride mouthwash showed the weakest in all inhibitory activities. These results suggested that CHX and triclosan mouthwashes were effective in reducing oralCandida activities.

The use and performance of oral–throat rinses to detect pharyngeal Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis infections

Gonococcal and chlamydial infections in the pharynx can occur as a consequence of oral sex. Currently, diagnosis of these infections typically requires a swab specimen to be collected from the posterior pharynx. However, we assessed the diagnostic adequacy of using commercial mouthwash or water as an oral–throat rinse and subsequent testing with a nucleic acid amplification test (Gen-Probe APTIMA Combo 2 assay; Gen-Probe, San Diego, CA). Mouthwash and water samples, spiked with varying amounts of gonorrhea and chlamydia, remained positive for both organisms for up to 2 weeks after storage at room temperature and 37 °C. A clinical trial compared the test performance of oral–throat rinses to pharyngeal swabs among 561 (250 mouthwash, 311 water) gay and other men who have sex with men. Participants were also surveyed to assess the acceptability, preference, and feasibility of oral–throat rinses in a clinical setting. The prevalence of pharyngeal gonorrhea and chlamydia were 9.5% (53/556) and 1.4% (8/561), respectively. Compared with the pharyngeal swab, mouthwash oral–throat rinses had a sensitivity and specificity for the detection of gonorrhea of 72% and 99.1%, respectively, whereas water had 82% and 99.7%, respectively. Chlamydia prevalence was too low for reliable assessments of test performance. Study participants found oral–throat rinses acceptable, preferable, and feasible when compared with pharyngeal swabs. Further study is needed to investigate discordant results and improve the sensitivity of oral–throat rinses.

Effect of commercial mouthwashes on the corrosion resistance of Ti-10Mo experimental alloy

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of three commercial mouthwashes on the corrosion resistance of Ti-10Mo experimental alloy. Experiments were made at 37.0 +/- 0.5 degrees C in a conventional three-compartment double wall glass cell containing commercial mouthwashes. Three mouthwashes with different active ingredients were tested: (I) 0.05% sodium fluoride + 0.03% triclosan; (II) 0.5 g/l cetylpyridinium chloride + 0.05% sodium fluoride; (III) 0.12% chlorohexidine digluconate. The assessment of the individual effect of active ingredients was studied by using 0.05% sodium fluoride. Commercially pure titanium (CP Ti) was used as control. Microstructures from Ti-10Mo experimental alloy and CP Ti were also evaluated using optical microscopy. Ti-10Mo as-cast alloy shows the typical rapidly cooled dendrites microstructure (beta phase) while CP Ti has exhibited a metastable martensitic microstructure. Electrochemical behavior of dental materials here studied was more affected by mouthwash type than by Ti alloy composition or microstructure. In both alloys passivation phenomenon was observed. This process may be mainly related to Ti oxides or other Ti species present in spontaneously formed film. Small differences in passive current densities values may be connected with changes in film porosity and thickness. Protective characteristics of this passive film are lower in 0.05% sodium fluoride + 0.03% triclosan mouthwash than in the other two mouthwashes tested.

Development of commercial mouthwash combined with herbal extracts for anticariogenic activity against Streptococcus mutans

The aim of the present study was to develope the commercial mouthwash combined with herbal extracts against Streptococcus mutans ATCC 25175. The 50% ethanol herbal extracts were from Cassia alata L., Quercus infectoria Oliver., Harrisonia perforata Merr., Camellia sinensis L. (oolong and green tea) and Psidium guajava L.,

Development of a simple and low cost device for vapour phase Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry determination of ethanol in mouthwashes

A new vapour phase manifold coupled with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was developed for ethanol determination in mouthwashes. Two microliters of samples were injected, without any previous pre-treatment into a reactor heated at 70 °C, and the vapour phase generated transported to the FTIR spectrometer using a carrier nitrogen flow of 6 ml min −1. FTIR spectra were continuously recorded, as a function of time, by accumulating two scans and employing 8 cm −1 nominal resolution. Analytical measurements for ethanol were made in the range from 1130 to 992 cm −1 with a baseline defined between 1158 and 957 cm −1. After ethanol measurement the carrier flow was increased to 300 ml min −1 in order to put out of the manifold the water evolved from samples. Several commercial mouthwash samples were analysed by reference methods as titrimetry and headspace gas chromatography and results were comparable with those obtained by vapour phase FTIR. The proposed procedure is a simple, fast and environmentally friendly alternative to the reference methods providing accurate results, with a limit of detection of 0.15% (v/v) and a total analysis time of 2 min.

Influence of Additional Active Ingredients on the Effectiveness of Non‐Alcoholic Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Non-alcoholic chlorhexidine mouthwashes are equally effective and have fewer potential risks than hydroalcoholic solutions. Nowadays, other active ingredients are added to these mouthwashes in an attempt to improve their effectiveness and reduce side effects. Following an experimental gingivitis model, this study examined three non-alcoholic commercial mouthwashes having 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) in common. Using a double masked, cross-over design, 30 subjects underwent three consecutive experimental phases with three mouthwashes: CHX, CHX + 0.05% sodium fluoride (CHXNaF), and CHX + 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride (CHX-CPC). In each one of these 21-day phases, the subjects discontinued all oral hygiene measures and were treated exclusively with the experimental mouthwash randomly assigned (an oral rinse twice a day). Each experimental phase was preceded by a 14-day washout period. Levels of gingivitis, dental plaque, supragingival calculus, and dental staining were assessed at baseline and end (day 21) of experimental phases. The evolution of gingival and dental staining indices did not show statistically significant differences between the treatments. Differences were noticed in the plaque index (P = 0.0002), with CHX-NaF the treatment with the greatest increase. Differences were also observed in the supragingival calculus index (P = 0.0136), with CHX-CPC showing a smaller increase. Tongue staining was more frequent with CHX-CPC (P = 0.0141). In non-alcoholic 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwashes, the addition of other active ingredients does not produce beneficial effects, but may even reduce the antiplaque effectiveness or increase tongue staining.

Symptomatic treatment of radiation-induced mucositis in head and neck cancer: current practice, literature review and evidence-based recommendations

Background: Oro-pharyngeal mucositis is a common complication of radical radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and may be the major treatment dose-limiting factor. Symptomatic treatment, however, appears variable and often ineffective.Aim: To assess current UK practice, review published literature to assess the evidence base for current mucositis interventions and develop an evidence-based protocol for local use based on this knowledge.Methods: An open-ended, qualitative questionnaire was sent to twenty UK Radiotherapy Departments to provide a sample of the current use of symptomatic treatments, including analgesia. A literature search was conducted using Medline and Cochrane databases to provide an evidence-based recommendation for the development of an effective local management protocol.Results: Sixteen departments returned completed questionnaires (80% response rate). Eleven different pharmaceutical preparations were being used for symptomatic relief, with benzydamine (Difflam Oral Rinse) and Mucaine being the most commonly prescribed (in five departments each). Eleven different analgesics were being prescribed ranging from soluble aspirin to continuous infusion of diamorphine. The conclusion of a Cochrane Collaboration systematic review of the literature found weak or no evidence for the use of current interventions as effective agents for the relief or eradication of treatment-related mucositis.Conclusions: For such a common and important treatment toxicity, there is no consistent symptomatic management and there is no good evidence-base for the use of any of the presently prescribed medications. Clinical trials have involved small samples and little replication of studies. Evidence does exist for the importance of good oral hygiene before, during and after treatment, and this has formed the basis of our new departmental protocol with discontinuation of the use of commercial mouthwashes.

Measuring Breath Alcohol Concentrations with an FTIR Spectrometer

An FTIR spectrometer equipped with a long-path gas cell can be used to measure breath alcohol concentrations in an instrumental analysis laboratory course. Students use aqueous ethanol solutions to make a calibration curve that relates absorbance signals of breath samples with blood alcohol concentrations. Students use their calibration curve to determine the time needed for their calculated blood alcohol levels to drop below the legal limit following use of a commercial mouthwash. They also calculate their blood alcohol levels immediately after chewing bread. The main goal of the experiment is to provide the students with an interesting laboratory exercise that teaches them about infrared spectrometers. While the results are meant to be only semiquantitative, they have compared well with results from other published studies. A reference is included that describes how to fabricate a long-path gas cell.