Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Mouthwash: The Effect on Salivary Flow Rate and pH

Objective: This research aimed to investigate the impact of alcoholic and non-alcoholic mouthwash on salivary flow rate and pH. Methods: This research utilized a quasi-experimental, pre-test and post-test were conducted on 30 subjects belonging to non-equivalent group. The subjects were carefully selected according to inclusion criteria, ensuring they did not have systemic disease, did not take drugs that cause an effect on salivary flow rate and pH, had a good oral hygiene index score (OHIS), did not use an orthodontic device or denture, and did not eat or drink for 90 minutes before saliva collection. The subjects were subsequently asked to gargle using either alcoholic or non-alcoholic mouthwash. The alcoholic mouthwash used was Listerine® Cool Mint, while the non-alcoholic mouthwash was Enzim® Mouthwash. Saliva was then collected through the draining method. The data was then analyzed to assess the salivary flow rate and pH. Results: The results revealed a slight increase in salivary flow rate (p=0.083) and a minor decrease in salivary pH (p=0.059) when using alcoholic mouthwash, with no significant difference in salivary flow rate or pH before and after gargling. Similarly, the results also revealed a slight increase in salivary flow rate (p=0.317) and a minor decrease in salivary pH (p=0.120) when using non-alcoholic mouthwash, with no significant difference in salivary flow rate or pH before and after gargling. Conclusion: This study indicates that alcoholic and non-alcoholic mouthwashes do not significantly affect salivary flow rate and pH during short-term use.