Work

Immediate effects of a low-dose chlorhexidine–chlorine dioxide mouthrinse on volatile sulfur compounds over a 120-minute period

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Background Intraoral halitosis is primarily associated with volatile sulfur compounds (VSC) produced through anaerobic bacterial metabolism in the oral cavity. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is widely regarded as the reference standard antimicrobial mouthrinse for malodor control, but its use is limited by concentration-dependent adverse effects. Chlorine dioxide (ClO 2 ) has been proposed as an adjunctive agent because of its ability to chemically oxidize VSC and neutralize malodor. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a mouthrinse containing low-dose CHX combined with ClO 2 on VSC concentrations in adults with intraoral halitosis. Methods In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 40 adults with intraoral halitosis were randomly assigned to rinse with a mouthrinse containing 0.01% CHX and 0.05% ClO 2 or a placebo. Hydrogen sulfide (H 2 S), methyl mercaptan, and dimethyl sulfide were quantified using gas chromatography (OralChroma; Abimedical [Abilit Corp]). The primary outcome was the change in H 2 S concentration at 120 minutes from baseline. Results The test mouthrinse produced significantly greater reductions in H 2 S than the placebo at multiple time points during the 120-minute observation period ( P < .05). Similar reductions were observed for methyl mercaptan and dimethyl sulfide. Area-under-the-curve analyses showed significantly lower cumulative VSC exposure in the test group compared with the placebo. Conclusions A mouthrinse containing low-dose CHX combined with ClO 2 produced rapid suppression of VSCs after a single rinse. These findings suggest that combining reduced-concentration CHX with an oxidative adjunct may represent a potential strategy for short-term control of intraoral halitosis.

Source: JADA Foundational Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.jfscie.2026.100084

Authors: Thuy Anh Vu Pham, Thao Thi Phuong Tran

Institutions: Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City, Trường Đại học Khoa học Sức khỏe, Hong Bang International University

Language: English

Topic: Oral microbiology and periodontitis research

Subfield: Periodontics

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,500