Priority 23 from the Oral and Dental Health PSP

UNCERTAINTY: Is the use of a daily mouthwash at home, useful for maintaining good oral health? (JLA PSP Priority 23)
Overall ranking 23
JLA question ID 0079/23
Explanatory note

Not available for this PSP

Evidence

Despite some promising results, the evidence base for all treatment options (splint therapy, behavioural interventions, pharmaceutical interventions) is extremely limited and no definitive statements regarding the most appropriate treatment can be made.

For full details of the evidence checked, please see the spreadsheet of data held on the JLA website.

Health Research Classification System category  Oral and gastrointestinal
Extra information provided by this PSP
Original uncertainty examples Original questions covered whether to use a mouthwash, what type and when. Risks associated with mouthrinses were also raised. Does the regular use of a mouthwash actually help maintain healthy teeth, gums and mouths?  Should mouthwashes containing alcohol be avoided?  Should mouthrinses be used before or after brushing? Do they give rise to an increased risk of oral cancer?  Questions relate to preventing and treating disease and are relevant to all age groups. 
Submitted by  6 x patients, carers or members of public, 5 x health professionals, 1 x other
PSP information
PSP unique ID 0079
PSP name Oral and Dental Health
Total number of uncertainties identified by this PSP 38  (To see a full list of all uncertainties identified, please see the detailed spreadsheet held on the JLA website)
Date of priority setting workshop 12 December 2018