Fluoride mouthwash face-off: Users weigh in on flavor, foam, and more!

According to the findings of a recent study published in the “International Journal of Dental Hygiene”, users have diverse preferences for fluoride mouthwashes, with a preference for colored ones and less acceptance of those having essential oils and alcohol. Investigators assessed user perceptions of commercial fluoride mouthwashes to uncover preferences and issues.

In this single-blind, randomized clinical trial, 53 participants tested six types of fluoride mouthwashes, including one with alcohol. They used 15 ml of each mouthwash for 30 seconds. After using each mouthwash, participants rated aspects like taste, foaming, sensitivity, dryness, numbness, smell, burning sensation and color on a visual analogue scale (VAS). Significant differences were found in foaming effect, sensitivity, rinsing time, smell, and color.

Additionally, colored mouthwashes were preferred over clear ones and the alcohol-containing mouthwash with essential oils caused more sensitivity and was associated with a longer rinsing time. However, no pivotal differences in smell were detected, and foaming was generally acceptable (low to medium).