Insights from the FDI World Dental Congress 2025: How Evidence- Based Antibacterial Mouthrinses Are Reshaping Preventive Oral Care Worldwide
20 Oct 2025
By: Jose Angelo G. Militante, DMD
Shanghai, China — Oral health remains one of today’s most pressing global challenges, and dentists plays a crucial role in addressing it. At the recent FDI World Dental Conference, experts highlighted the growing importance of antibacterial mouthrinses as evidence-based adjuncts to daily dental care—bridging science, routine and patient-friendly practices to drive preventive care.
The Global Challenge of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease affects over 1.1 billion people worldwide, ranking among the most prevalent chronic inflammatory conditions.1 Though largely preventable, neglected gum health increases healthcare costs and reduces quality of life. Periodontitis is a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD) that shares risk factors with the major NCDs that cause around two-thirds of deaths such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease.2,3
Tobacco smoking, obesity, poor nutrition and physical inactivity have all been associated with an increased risk of periodontitis.4
Besides the shared risk factors with major NCDs, accumulation of dental biofilms consequent to inadequate self-performed oral hygiene procedures, accounts for the initiation and progression of periodontal disease in the population.5
Role of Antibacterial Mouthwashes in the management of Periodontal Diseases
The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) S3 Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend the adjunctive use of antiseptics, including EO mouthrinses, alongside brushing and flossing.5
When used judiciously, antibacterial rinses help at every stage of care:
Primary prevention: Control gingivitis before it worsens.
Secondary prevention: Maintain gum health and prevent recurrence.
Active therapy: Enhance subgingival cleaning by reducing inflammation.
The Science Behind EO Mouthrinse
Clinical evidence shows that essential oil (EO) rinses are as effective as chlorhexidine (CHX) in reducing gingival inflammation without common side effects such as staining or taste alteration.6
Because of their strong antimicrobial efficacy, and ability to penetrate the plaque biofilm and reach the whole mouth, EO rinses benefit patients with gingival inflammation, orthodontic appliances, implants, or limited dexterity. Their proven efficacy and good tolerance make them ideal for long-term daily use—an evidence-based adjunct to traditional brushing and flossing.7
From Evidence to Everyday Practice
Across clinics, EO mouthrinses have become safe, effective, and well-accepted adjuncts in managing gingivitis. Dentists report better patient compliance, thanks to their pleasant taste and fewer side effects compared to CHX.
As one clinician noted, “Patients actually follow through, they see results, and that keeps them motivated.” Better compliance leads to better oral health outcomes and a stronger culture of prevention. Implications for Philippine Dentistry In the Philippines, where gum disease remains widespread, EO mouthrinses offer a practical, accessible, and affordable tool for improving oral health. Their use also supports antimicrobial resistance (AMR) advocacy by reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
For Filipino dentists, the priority is patient education—antibacterial rinses are meant to complement, not replace, brushing and flossing. When used correctly, they help prevent gum disease and can especially help patients with additional needs like patients with Diabetes, the elderly and those with limited dexterity.
A Fresh Direction for Preventive Dentistry
From the scientific discussions in Shanghai to clinical applications in Manila, the message is clear: modern dentistry is evolving toward prevention and patient empowerment.
These mouthrinses offer not just fresher breath and cleaner smiles, but a renewed commitment to preventive care, patient wellness, and global oral health progress.
Antibacterial mouthrinses represent more than just a daily hygiene adjunct, they’re a symbol of how science, simplicity, and accessibility can come together to improve oral health worldwide, one patient, and one rinse, at a time.
Shanghai, China — Oral health remains one of today’s most pressing global challenges, and dentists plays a crucial role in addressing it. At the recent FDI World Dental Conference, experts highlighted the growing importance of antibacterial mouthrinses as evidence-based adjuncts to daily dental care—bridging science, routine and patient-friendly practices to drive preventive care.
The Global Challenge of Periodontal Disease
Periodontal disease affects over 1.1 billion people worldwide, ranking among the most prevalent chronic inflammatory conditions.1 Though largely preventable, neglected gum health increases healthcare costs and reduces quality of life. Periodontitis is a chronic non-communicable disease (NCD) that shares risk factors with the major NCDs that cause around two-thirds of deaths such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer and chronic respiratory disease.2,3
Tobacco smoking, obesity, poor nutrition and physical inactivity have all been associated with an increased risk of periodontitis.4
Besides the shared risk factors with major NCDs, accumulation of dental biofilms consequent to inadequate self-performed oral hygiene procedures, accounts for the initiation and progression of periodontal disease in the population.5
Role of Antibacterial Mouthwashes in the management of Periodontal Diseases
The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) S3 Clinical Practice Guidelines recommend the adjunctive use of antiseptics, including EO mouthrinses, alongside brushing and flossing.5
When used judiciously, antibacterial rinses help at every stage of care:
Primary prevention: Control gingivitis before it worsens.
Secondary prevention: Maintain gum health and prevent recurrence.
Active therapy: Enhance subgingival cleaning by reducing inflammation.
The Science Behind EO Mouthrinse
Clinical evidence shows that essential oil (EO) rinses are as effective as chlorhexidine (CHX) in reducing gingival inflammation without common side effects such as staining or taste alteration.6
Because of their strong antimicrobial efficacy, and ability to penetrate the plaque biofilm and reach the whole mouth, EO rinses benefit patients with gingival inflammation, orthodontic appliances, implants, or limited dexterity. Their proven efficacy and good tolerance make them ideal for long-term daily use—an evidence-based adjunct to traditional brushing and flossing.7
From Evidence to Everyday Practice
Across clinics, EO mouthrinses have become safe, effective, and well-accepted adjuncts in managing gingivitis. Dentists report better patient compliance, thanks to their pleasant taste and fewer side effects compared to CHX.
As one clinician noted, “Patients actually follow through, they see results, and that keeps them motivated.” Better compliance leads to better oral health outcomes and a stronger culture of prevention. Implications for Philippine Dentistry In the Philippines, where gum disease remains widespread, EO mouthrinses offer a practical, accessible, and affordable tool for improving oral health. Their use also supports antimicrobial resistance (AMR) advocacy by reducing unnecessary antibiotic prescriptions.
For Filipino dentists, the priority is patient education—antibacterial rinses are meant to complement, not replace, brushing and flossing. When used correctly, they help prevent gum disease and can especially help patients with additional needs like patients with Diabetes, the elderly and those with limited dexterity.
A Fresh Direction for Preventive Dentistry
From the scientific discussions in Shanghai to clinical applications in Manila, the message is clear: modern dentistry is evolving toward prevention and patient empowerment.
These mouthrinses offer not just fresher breath and cleaner smiles, but a renewed commitment to preventive care, patient wellness, and global oral health progress.
Antibacterial mouthrinses represent more than just a daily hygiene adjunct, they’re a symbol of how science, simplicity, and accessibility can come together to improve oral health worldwide, one patient, and one rinse, at a time.