Cetylpyridinium chloride is a quaternary ammonium with broad-spectrum antiseptic properties. Its salt form is commonly used as an active ingredient in various over-the-counter mouthwashes, toothpastes, lozenges, throat sprays, breath sprays, and nasal sprays. Here are some details about cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash:
Positive:
- Decreases new dental plaque growth, decreases or removes existing dental plaque, diminishes the growth of pathogenic bacteria, and inhibits the production of virulence factors.
- Decreases the plaques ability to mature, and it can help prevent the growth of the bacteria that cause gum disease.
- May help reduce the chances of developing gingivitis (gum inflammation and bleeding) and ultimately improve overall oral hygiene.
- May assist in reducing plaque in the mouth, improving bad breath and preventing gingivitis.
- CPC is an FDA approved ingredient that helps to guard the mouth against gum disease and bad breath.
Negative:
- CPC can interact with negatively charged ions in toothpaste, which may lower its biological activity and reduce its clinical efficacy.
- CPC can also have the added side effect of staining people’s teeth.
Ingredients or materials:
- Cetylpyridinium chloride is the active ingredient in cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash.
- Other ingredients in cetylpyridinium chloride mouthwash may vary depending on the brand and formulation. For example, up & up Fresh Mint Flavor mouthwash contains water, alcohol, glycerin, flavor, poloxamer 407, sodium saccharin, sodium benzoate, and FD&C green no. 3. TheraBreath offers a whole line of mouthwash formulas meant to deal with the problems afflicting the mouth today, all free of harmful ingredients.
