Long-term evaluation of a prebrushing dental rinse for the control of dental plaque and gingivitis.

One hundred and three adults completed a double-blind, 6-month controlled study to assess the effects of rinsing with Plax (Oral Care Division of Pfizer Inc., New York, NY) before brushing on plaque, gingivitis and calculus. All the parameters were evaluated at baseline and after three and six months of home use of either Plax or placebo rinse. Microbiological components of plaque were monitored. Following prolonged use as a prebrushing rinse, Plax was no more effective than placebo in reducing plaque, gingivitis and calculus.