# Pilot randomized trial of the effect of antibacterial mouthwash on muscle contractile function in healthy young adults

## TL;DR

This study found that antibacterial mouthwash slightly reduces a specific nitric oxide marker in saliva but does not affect muscle function in healthy young adults.

## Contribution

The study is the first to investigate the effects of antibacterial mouthwash on muscle contractility and nitric oxide markers in healthy individuals.

## Key findings

- Cetylpyridinium mouthwash reduced the percentage of salivary nitrite (NO2−) compared to the control.
- Mouthwash use had no significant effect on salivary or breath nitric oxide bioavailability markers.
- Muscle contractile function, including peak torque and power, remained unchanged with either mouthwash.

## Abstract

Antiseptic mouthwash use is widespread due to its oral health benefits. However, its impact on systemic physiological processes, particularly nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability and muscle contractility, is not fully understood. We sought to determine the effects of cetylpyridinium (antibacterial) versus sodium chloride (control) mouthwashes on salivary and breath NO markers and muscle contractile function in healthy young adults. Thirty participants (n = 15/group) completed a randomized, parallel-arm, blinded trial, comparing the two mouthwashes before and after 7 d of treatment. NO bioavailability was inferred via measurement of salivary nitrate (NO3−), nitrite (NO2−), and cyclic guanyl monophosphate (cGMP) concentrations and breath NO level. Contractile function of the knee extensor muscles was determined via isokinetic dynamometry. No changes in salivary NO3−, NO2−, or cGMP or in breath NO were observed in response to either treatment. However, cetylpyridinium mouthwash reduced the percentage of NO2− in saliva (17 ± 10% vs. 25 ± 13%; p = 0.0036). Peak torque at velocities of 0–6.28 rad/s was unaffected by mouthwash use. Calculated maximal knee extensor velocity (Vmax) and power (Pmax) were therefore also unchanged. Cetylpyridinium mouthwash reduces the relative abundance of NO2− in the oral cavity but does not significantly diminish overall NO bioavailability or impair muscle contractile function in healthy young adults.