Kenvue has revealed that its mouthwash brand Listerine reduces plaque and gingivitis in patients with diabetes.
A 12-week trial showed that daily use of both alcohol-free and alcohol-containing Listerine formulas resulted in “significant” reductions compared with a negative control rinse study group.
In the first study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Listerine, both formulation types were proven to be well-tolerated by diabetic patients and within the established safety profile.
Dental plaque, the film of bacteria that constantly forms on teeth, can lead to cavities, gum disease and other oral health issues, and, therefore, requires routine removal.
Gingivitis, meanwhile, is the earliest stage of gum disease, caused by plaque and bacteria building up on teeth, and resulting in infection.
Diabetics are especially prone to gum disease, as high blood sugar levels in saliva can create an environment in which bacteria thrive.
Additionally, diabetics’ weakened immune system and slower healing make it harder to treat gum disease.
Kimberly Milleman, Global Clinical Director at Salus Research and an external research partner involved in the study, told Cosmetics Business: “Patients with diabetes have several oral complications because of their chronic disease status.
“Diabetes increases susceptibility to periodontitis by approximately threefold compared with healthy individuals.
“This is closely related to hyperglycemia, as increased blood sugar levels are associated with increased severity of periodontal disease.”
Kenvue presented these results, as well as the results of 11 other new oral care scientific studies, at the AADOCR/CADR (American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research’s) Annual Meeting & Exhibition 2025 in New York, US, last week.
Milleman added: “The current research we conducted and presented at the AADOCR concludes that the inclusion of essential oil-containing mouth rinses, both alcohol-free and alcohol-containing, to routine brushing significantly reduced plaque and gingivitis compared to a negative control after 12 weeks in patients with diabetes.
“Potentially, these results could help a patient with diabetes lower their risk of gingivitis and/or help manage their gingivitis and gum disease.
“Additionally, we concluded that the essential-oil containing mouthrinses were safe to use in patients with diabetes.”
Other studies showcased during the exhibition included the first Listerine trial outcomes in subjects 55 years of age or older, which showed statistically significant reductions of clinical signs of plaque and gingivitis compared with brushing alone.
Meanwhile, potassium oxalate mouth rinse was demonstrated to significantly reduce dentinal hypersensitivity in subjects with sensitivity.
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