Use of Alcohol-free Antimicrobial Mouth Rinse is Associated with Decreased Incidence of Preterm Birth in a High-risk Population

Objective: We sought to determine if treatment of periodontal disease during pregnancy with an alcohol-free antimicrobial mouth rinse containing cetylpyridinium chloride impacts the incidence of preterm birth (PTB) in a high-risk population.

Study Design: This single-blind clinical trial studied pregnant women (6-20 weeks' gestation) with periodontal disease who refused dental care. Subjects receiving mouth rinse were compared to designated controls who did not receive rinse (1 rinse:2 controls), balanced on prior PTB and smoking. Primary outcome was PTB <35 weeks.

Results: In all, 226 women were included in the analysis (71 mouth rinse subjects, 155 controls). Incidence of PTB <35 weeks was lower in the rinse group compared to controls (5.6% and 21.9% respectively, P < .01); relative risk was 0.26 (95% confidence interval, 0.096-0.70). Gestational age and birthweight were significantly higher in the rinse group (P < .01).

Conclusion: A nonalcohol antimicrobial mouth rinse containing cetylpyridinium chloride was associated with decreased incidence of PTB <35 weeks.