FDA: Mouth rinse products cannot have ‘prevents gum disease’ claim

FDA: Mouth rinse products cannot have ‘prevents gum disease’ claim: The FDA last week issued warning letters to three companies that market mouth rinse products with claims that they remove plaque above the gum line or promote healthy gums. According to the FDA, these claims suggested the products are effective in preventing gum disease when no such benefit has been demonstrated. Warning letters were sent to: Johnson & Johnson (Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash), CVS Corporation (CVS Complete Care Anticavity Mouthwash), and Walgreen Company (Walgreen Mouth Rinse Full Action). These mouth rinse products contain the active ingredient sodium fluoride. The FDA has determined that sodium fluoride is effective in preventing cavities, but has not found this ingredient to be effective in removing plaque or preventing gum disease. FDA News Release