This study evaluates the addition of a mouth rinse containing sea salt, xylitol and lysozyme to standardized oral health practices on biofilm formation and gingival health in a group of young adults.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a new sea salt mouth rinse containing xylitol and the antibacterial enzyme, lysozyme on biofilm formation and gingival health in a group of young adults. Xylitol is a well-established non-sugar sweetener and an anti-caries agent. The use of this polyol results in loosely adherent biofilms by reducing the amount of extracellular lipopolysaccharides and lipoteichoic acids, facilitating its easy removal by mechanical means. Lysozymes are antibacterial proteins that hydrolyze the linkage between N-acetylmuramic acid and N-acetylglucosamine of peptidoglycan in the cell wall of Gram + bacteria effectively limiting growth.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Dentate
• Medically healthy
• No orthodontic bands
• An anticipated ability to attend the two scheduled visits

Exclusion Criteria:

• Significant medical condition (including but not limited to, poorly controlled diabetes mellitus, rheumatic heart disease or clinically significant heart murmur)
• Pregnancy
• Recent history of, or ongoing, antibiotic therapy