Study of Two Over-the-Counter Mouthwashes and Water Rinse on Oral and Gut Microbiome Over 6 Months

What this Trial Is About

This research evaluates the effects of two over-the-counter mouthwashes on bacteria and viruses in the mouth and gut. The study aims to understand how these mouthwashes impact the microbiome of the oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. Participants include healthy adults, and the study is designed as a pilot to compare antimicrobial and microbial product-targeting mouthrinses along with a water rinse control group. Participants will be randomly assigned to rinse their mouth twice daily for one minute with either Listerine mouthwash, Lumineux Oral Essentials mouthwash, or water for about 180 days. Oral plaque samples will be collected on study days 0, 30, 60, 90, and 180 using a sterile swab kit. Some participants will also provide fecal samples for analysis. Throughout the study, participants will attend approximately five visits lasting 15 to 30 minutes each, totaling around 2.5 hours. Researchers will analyze total bacterial load and viral load with mRNA analysis at each visit using RT-PCR methods. Follow-up may include telephone contact, and the study monitors changes in oral and gut microbiomes over time to assess the effects of the mouthrinses.

Effects of Mouthrinse on the Microbiome of the Oral Cavity and GI Tract