Short-term effects of a combination product night-time therapeutic regimen on breath malodor.

Aim: To evaluate the malodor reduction benefits of a therapeutic night-time oral hygiene regimen that combined antibacterial toothpaste and mouthrinse with an oscillating-rotating rechargeable power toothbrush.

Methods And Materials: An independent clinical trial was conducted using a randomized, negative-controlled, single blind, two treatment, 4-period crossover design. After completing a 1-week acclimation period, subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment sequence consisting of the following two regimens: (1) a night-time regimen of Crest Pro-Health Night dentifrice, Crest Pro-Health Night rinse, and Oral-B Vitality Precision Clean power toothbrush and (2) a control regimen of Crest Cavity Protection dentifrice and an ADA manual toothbrush. Each treatment period started with an overnight baseline volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) Halimeter measurement, followed by twice daily use of the assigned regimen. Post-treatment overnight malodor was assessed at 24 hours. There were 2-day washout periods between treatments. All procedures were repeated with the next assigned regimen, through four crossover periods.

Results: Twenty-five subjects completed the study. Twice daily use of the therapeutic night-time regimen resulted in a significant (p>0.001) 35% reduction of mean VSC levels in the overnight breath compared to the control regimen.

Conclusion: One-day use of a night-time regimen consisting of a therapeutic paste, rinse, and an oscillating-rotating rechargeable power toothbrush provided a 35% reduction in overnight breath malodor compared to regular brushing.

Clinical Significance: Combining a proven therapeutic dentifrice, mouthrinse, and advanced design toothbrush in a single regimen is an efficient means of maximizing breath odor reductions.