The Stain Reduction and Whitening Efficacy of an Enzyme-Enhanced Mouthwash: A Comparative Study

Bennett Tochukwu Amaechi,1 Sima Abdollahi,1 Razina Vohra,1 Temitope Olabisi Omosebi,2 Ria Vazir,3 Duy Nguyen,4 Keely Ann Ussery,5 Amos Chinedu Obiefuna6 1Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA; 2Department of Restorative Dentistry, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos State, 100271, Nigeria; 3Department of Public Health, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; 4Department of Biology, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA; 5Department of Predoctoral Dentistry, The University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA; 6Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Maryland Global Campus, San Antonio, TX, 78236, USACorrespondence: Bennett Tochukwu Amaechi, Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA, Tel +12105673185, Email [email protected]: To compare the stain-removing and whitening efficacy of GuruNanda™ enzyme-enriched whitening mouthwash formulations with those of a commercially available comparator and a placebo mouthwash.Methods: Eighty bovine enamel blocks were prepared and embedded in auto-polymerizing polymethyl methacrylate resin. Baseline tooth shade was digitally measured using a calibrated Vita EasyShade Advance spectrophotometer under standardized lighting conditions. Enamel surfaces were lightly etched (5 secs) with 32% phosphoric acid and then cycled several times between stain solution and natural saliva for pellicle formation over 24 hours, simulating extrinsic discoloration. The shade of stained tooth blocks was re-measured (post-staining shade). After staining, samples were randomly assigned to four experimental mouthwashes (n = 20): Gurunanda™ 6-Month-Aged-Enzyme (6M-GN-ENZ), Gurunanda™ Fresh-Enzyme (GN-ENZ), Comparator Whitening mouthwash (Comparator), and Placebo. Treatments simulated twice-daily with 2-minute swishing followed by 2-minute of toothbrushing with de-ionized distilled water (DDW) over 1, 4, and 8-week intervals. Post-treatment color measurements were obtained at each point. Data were analyzed statistically using Kruskal–Wallis, and ANOVA tests (α = 0.05).Results: At each evaluation period, all active mouthwashes produced statistically significantly greater stain reduction than the placebo (p < 0.05). The mean percentage stain reduction differed significantly (p < 0.01) between time points (1, 4, 8 weeks) with 6M-GN-ENZ (38.96%, 47.58%, 52.35%) and GN-ENZ (28.69%, 37.95%, 39.95%). While Comparator (35.62%, 40.23%, 40.23%) and Placebo (0%, 14.62%, 21.87) showed no significant change over time.Conclusion: Swishing with GuruNanda™ enzyme-enhanced mouthwashes effectively removed extrinsic stains on teeth surfaces at a comparable rate to Comparator mouthwash but significantly outperforming the placebo.Keywords: GuruNanda™ mouthwash, enzyme mouthwash, oral rinse, tooth stains, stain removal, tooth whitening