Global leaders met at ISDH 2026, the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene, in Milan to review two landmark oral health reports from Europe and the US, built on the same global evidence base, and to discuss the role of clinically proven mouthrinse in the prevention of periodontal diseases.
Periodontal diseases affects more than 1 billion people worldwide and are a major global public health challenge.1 Despite being largely preventable, its burden continues to rise.1 At a press briefing during the International Symposium on Dental Hygiene (ISDH) in Milan, hosted by Kenvue, experts highlighted how two independently developed reports, from Europe and North America, reached remarkably similar conclusions on how prevention strategies should evolve, and on the role of a clinically proven mouthrinse alongside mechanical cleaning.
The two reports are the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) white paper on redefining the management and prevention of periodontal diseases,2 and the Principles for Oral Health report convened by the SEPA Foundation.3
Independent reports, same conclusion
What makes this notable is how the two reports came about. They were developed separately, by different organisations, in different parts of the world, yet they draw on the same underlying evidence base and reach the same broad conclusions. Both rest on a shared scientific foundation, including the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) S3-level clinical practice guidelines4, alongside guidance from the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Periodontology.
Across all of it, the finding is consistent. Whilst mechanical cleaning remains the foundation, mouthrinse may be considered to control gingival inflammation as part of a personalised treatment approach for specific cases, with Essential Oils formulations among the best supported by the available evidence. Both reports position mouthrinse as an adjunct to mechanical cleaning (toothbrushing), never a replacement, to be recommended according to each patient’s risk.2,3
The voices behind the alignment
The briefing brought four expert voices together to deliver that single message. Professor Luigi Nibali (King’s College London) set the scientific ground, on why a preventable disease is still rising and why gingivitis must be taken seriously. Dr Ana Molina (SEPA) explained the Principles for Oral Health report and how it turns guideline evidence into advice a busy clinician can use. Dr JoAnn Gurenlian (ADHA) set out the white paper’s conclusion that the dental hygienist is the front line of prevention, and why the profession made that recommendation itself. Simone Ruzario (President-Elect, British Society of Dental Hygiene & Therapy) brought it back to the chairside, and what the evidence changes for dental hygienists and dental therapists in everyday practice the world over.
The role of a mouthrinse, in the words of the reports
Each presentation landed the same point in its own words. From the European evidence, the EFP S3-level guidelines recognise specific antiseptics, with Essential Oils among the most efficacious, as personalised adjuncts to patient´s oral hygiene to help control gingival inflammation4 while the Principles for Oral Health report concludes that the use of specific antiseptics, as adjuncts to mechanical biofilm control, is recommended in certain group of patients, where either local or systemic factors make mechanical biofilm control insufficient to achieve and maintain periodontal health.3 From the US, the ADHA white paper reports that a mouthrinse with a fixed combination of four Essential Oils, added to brushing and flossing, significantly reduced whole-mouth plaque, gingivitis and bleeding compared with brushing alone, and positions adjunctive antiseptic mouthrinse as a simple, affordable and widely available addition to daily home care.2
When and how to recommend it
The practical message for dental professionals is consistent across both reports. Twice-daily brushing with a fluoride toothpaste and daily cleaning between the teeth remains the foundation. A daily antiseptic mouthrinse, used as an adjunct rather than a replacement, should be recommended for those patients where mechanical cleaning alone is unlikely to be sufficient. This includes patients with persistent gingival inflammation, those with biofilm-retentive features such as crowding, restorations, implants or orthodontic appliances, and those whose general circumstances, reduced dexterity, frailty, or conditions such as diabetes, make effective plaque control and inflammation control harder to achieve. The recommendation should be tailored to the individual, explained in plain language, and revisited at each visit, with flavour and intensity options used to support adherence.2,3
Quotes
“The evidence base is clear and consistent enough for guidelines and reports across different regions to consider a clinically proven mouthrinse for some patients. While brushing and cleaning between the teeth is essential, the number of patients with periodontal diseases is growing and the evidence supports a clinically proven adjunctive mouthrinse to help support and maintain gum health for specific patients.”
Dr Ana Molina, Vice-President, SEPA
“It is unusual to see organisations working in different healthcare systems and professional environments review the evidence separately and arrive at such similar conclusions. That level of alignment gives clinicians confidence that the recommendations are grounded in a robust and consistent body of evidence.”
Dr Simon Arnold, Medical Affairs Lead for EMEA, Kenvue
Find out more
Dental professionals can explore the science and the practical guidance behind these findings at kenvuepro.com. To read the reports in full, visit the Principles for Oral Health report at principlesfororalhealth.com, or view the ADHA white paper, Redefining the Management and Prevention of Periodontal Disease, at adha.org.
References
- Hu M, Zhang R, Wang R, Wang Y, Guo J. Global, regional, and national burden of periodontal diseases from 1990 to 2021 and predictions to 2040: an analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Front Oral Health. 2025; 6: 1627746. doi:10.3389/froh.2025.1627746
- American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Redefining the Management and Prevention of Periodontal Disease: Practical Guidance for the Practicing Hygienist in Navigating Clinical Decision-Making and Patient Engagement [White Paper]. 2026. Available at: https://www.adha.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/ADHA-White-Paper_Final_25Mar26.pdf. Accessed 24 June 2026
- SEPA. Principles for Oral Health Report. Sponsored by LISTERINE®. 2025. Available at: https://principlesfororalhealth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PRINCIPLES-CONSENSUS.v2.pdf. Accessed 24 June 2026
4. Sanz M, Herrera D, Kebschull M, et al. Treatment of stage I–III periodontitis—The EFP S3 level clinical practice guideline. J Clin Periodontol. 2020; 47(Suppl 22): 4-60. doi:10.1111/jcpe.13290
