Listerine versus chlorhexidine mouthwash for people with fixed braces
Comparison Of Clinical Effects Of Listerine And Chlorhexidine Mouth Wash In Patients Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment
We will test whether Listerine or chlorhexidine mouthwash better reduces plaque and gum inflammation in people wearing fixed orthodontic appliances.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 13 Years to 40 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Khyber Medical University Peshawar Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Swāt, KPK) |
| Trial ID | NCT07119840 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This double-blind, randomized controlled trial at Saidu College of Dentistry will randomize 60 patients with fixed orthodontic appliances to use either 0.12% chlorhexidine or an essential-oil mouthwash (Listerine) for 4 weeks. Gingival Index and Plaque Index scores will be recorded at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks to compare changes between groups. Eligible participants are adolescents and adults with permanent dentition who meet inclusion criteria and have no systemic illness or contraindications. The trial aims to see if Listerine provides comparable plaque and gingival control to chlorhexidine while producing fewer side effects.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people aged 13–40 with permanent dentition who are undergoing or have fixed orthodontic appliances and can attend baseline, 2-week, and 4-week visits.
Not a fit: Patients with systemic illnesses, pregnant or lactating women, current tobacco users, those with known mouthwash allergies, or those unable to attend follow-up visits are unlikely to benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could give people with braces an effective mouthwash option that reduces plaque and gum inflammation with fewer side effects than chlorhexidine.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown chlorhexidine reliably reduces plaque and gingivitis but commonly causes staining and taste changes, while essential-oil mouthwashes like Listerine have demonstrated moderate anti-plaque and anti-inflammatory effects in prior trials.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 13-40 years * Permanent dentition (including first molars) * Willing to undergo orthodontic treatment and follow instructions Exclusion Criteria: * Systemic illness (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, hepatitis) * Pregnant/lactating females * Tobacco use * History of allergies to mouthwash/toothpaste * Use of mouthwash in past 3 months * Abnormal oral morphology or parafunctional habits
Where this trial is running
Swāt, KPK
- Saidu College of Dentistry — Swāt, Kpk, Pakistan (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Fazli Rabi, MPH* — Khyber Medical University
- Study coordinator: Fazli Rabi, MPH*
- Email: fazlirabi804@gmail.com
- Phone: +92 307 5663219
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.