Pilot study on the effect of a mouthrinse containing silver zeolite on plaque formation

A double-blind cross-over study was performed to evaluate the inhibitory ac tivity of silver zeolite (SZ) mouthrinse on plaque formation. Eleven dental students participated in this study. SZ mouthrinse was prepared by suspend ing SZ powder into phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at a concentration of 3% (w/w). Type-A zeolite was used as a placebo. Before the experiment, the su bjects were rendered plaque-free by professional prophylaxis. They then sus pended any oral hygiene for five days, during which time they rinsed with e ither SZ or type A zeolite mouthrinse twice a day. SZ significantly reduced plaque formation compared to the placebo (p < 0.05). suggesting that silve r ions released from the SZ inhibited plaque formation.