Effect of a 0.1% Cetylpyridinium Chloride Mouthrinse on the Accumulation and Biochemical Composition of Dental Plaque in Young Adults

The effect of a mouthrinse containing 0.1% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) was assessed in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study involving two 48-hour periods of plaque accumulation. 20 subjects were provided with a standardized diet and rinsed under supervision 3 times daily after meals. The use of the CPC rinse was associated with significant reductions in clinical and photographic plaque scores at 24 and 48 h and plaque weight at 48 h. In addition, the plaque formed during exposure to the CPC rinse contained significantly higher concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus and protein and significantly less magnesium than the plaque formed during exposure to the placebo rinse.