A panel of leading dental experts has agreed an evidence-based consensus statement on the role of mouthwash as part of maintaining good oral health between dental appointments.

The consensus was developed during a Johnson & Johnson National Advisory Panel meeting, which brought together experts from across dentistry and oral health to discuss how dental professionals can best support patients in maintaining their oral health between appointments.

Discussions focused on the importance of effective mechanical plaque control, the limitations some patients face in achieving this, and the potential role of clinically proven chemotherapeutic mouthwashes as an adjunct to daily oral hygiene.

The meeting also explored the wider challenge of supporting patients to maintain good oral health outside of the dental surgery through simple, practical and evidence-based advice.

The group concluded:

"Healthy gums don't bleed. Effective toothbrushing and interdental cleaning is essential for keeping gums healthy. Mouthwashes containing fluoride (>100 ppm F) that are clinically proven to reduce plaque offer additional benefit."

Children over the age of seven and adults

The panel also agreed the following recommendation for everyday oral care:

"After brushing with a fluoride toothpaste, spit, don't rinse with water and, if gingival bleeding is present, use a daily fluoride-containing mouthwash that is clinically proven to reduce plaque."

The key opinion leaders taking part included:

• Dr Nigel Carter (then Chief Executive of the Oral Health Foundation)
• Professor Iain Chapple, Head of Periodontology within the School of Dentistry, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham
• Professor Chris Deery, Dean of the School of Clinical Dentistry, University of Sheffield
• Professor Mike Milward, Professor of Periodontology at the University of Birmingham
• Professor Anthony Roberts, Professor and Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at Cork University Dental School and Hospital
• Miranda Steeples (then President-elect of the British Society of Dental Hygiene and Therapy)
• Professor Nicola West, Professor in Restorative Dentistry, Bristol Dental School
• Professor Helen Whelton, Head of the College of Medicine and Health at University College Cork and Chief Academic Officer to the HSE South/South-West Hospital Group in Ireland

Presentations were delivered by Professor Iain Chapple, who examined the global economic impact of periodontal disease and chaired the meeting, Professor Anthony Roberts, who offered a fresh perspective on periodontal health and disease, and Professor Chris Deery, who explored the contemporary challenges surrounding dental caries.

Following each presentation, the panel reviewed the available evidence and took part in a structured discussion to identify practical recommendations that could support primary care dental professionals and their patients.

The resulting consensus reflects the panel's shared view that clear, straightforward advice can help patients better manage plaque and support long-term oral health.

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This consensus statement was developed during the Johnson & Johnson National Advisory Panel meeting held in October 2021. It is retained by the Oral Health Foundation as part of its archive of professional oral health resources.