Objectives: To evaluate in vitro the endogenous pH, titratable acidity and total soluble
solid content (TSSC) of mouthwashes available in the Brazilian market.
Methods: The study sample was composed of 10 commercial brands of mouthwashes based
on different active ingredients: Cepacol®, Clinerize®, Equate®, Listerine Cool Citrus®,
Oral-B®, Periogard ®, Peroxyl®, Plax Overnight®, Prevident 220® and Sanifill®. The
experiments were performed in triplicate. The endogenous pH was evaluated by potentiometry,
titratable acidity was evaluated by the addition of 0.1N KOH increments to the mouthwashes,
and TSSC readings were performed by Brix refractometry using the Abbé refractometer.
Results: pH values ranged from 3.56 (Peroxyl®) to 7.43 (Cepacol®) and three mouthwashes
presented pHs below 5.5. The titratable acidity values ranged from 0.007 (Periograd®)
to 0.530 (Prevident ®). Oral B® and Clinerize® presented the lowest (4.7%) and the
highest (23.70%) TSSC, respectively.
Conclusions: Some of the mouthwashes evaluated in this study presented low endogenous
pH, even below the critical value for enamel dissolution (pH<5.5), high titratable
acidity and high TSSC, and may be potentially erosive to the dental tissues if not
properly used. (Eur J Dent 2010;4:156-159)
Keywords
Mouthwashes - Hydrogen-Ion concentration - Dental plaque - Tooth erosion
