Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the factors that might influence a patientʼs choice of a mouth rinse. A structured questionnaire to determine the pattern of usage and reasons for choosing among mouth rinses was distributed to 53 outpatients at the Clinic of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, Niigata University Medical and Dental Hospital. The plaque score was recorded based on the responses. The participants were also asked to rate, in a randomized double-blind manner, the taste and mouth-feel of four mouth rinses with different main ingredients [ConCool F® (CHX), Listerine® fresh mint (EO), Puora® (PU) and GUM® dental rinse (CP)] on a 5-point scale. The mean tooth brushing frequency of the participants was 2.8 times per day, and 87% of the participants used interdental and/or tongue cleaning products, and 43% used a mouth rinse on a regular basis. Mouth rinse users showed significantly lesser plaque formation as compared to non-users. The ranking of the reasons for the choices of mouth rinses showed significant consistency; and antimicrobial effects, refreshed feeling and taste were chosen as important reasons. Positive correlations were observed among the scores for taste and mouth-feel of the four mouth rinses, and the mean score was CHX＞CP＞PU＞EO for both items. It was concluded that professional advice, taste and mouth-feel, as well as the expectation for the prevention of caries and periodontal disease may be important factors influencing the patientsʼ choice of a mouth rinse. Nihon Shishubyo Gakkai Kaishi (J Jpn Soc Periodontol) 55(2)：148-155, 2013.
