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The Asia Pacific Dental Federation releases the first daily self-care guide written by dentists, demonstrating that preventing oral diseases is not only feasible but achievable for everyone. Listerine® partners with APDF to promote better daily oral care habits through scientific evidence.
SingaporeMay 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Asia Pacific Dental Federation (APDF) has released a landmark white paper, “The Power of Prevention: An Evidence-Based Guide to Self-Oral Care,” outlining what effective daily oral care should include and why its importance extends far beyond the teeth.
Across Asia Pacific, oral diseases—including periodontitis, gingivitis, and dental caries—continue to pose a significant public health burden. These data highlight the urgent need for stronger prevention, early detection, and sustained oral care interventions.
This report, co-authored by dental experts across the Asia Pacific region and supported by Kenvue, the manufacturer of Listerine®, is based on evidence that clearly states: most oral diseases, such as gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis, are preventable. Yet, they remain among the most prevalent and undertreated health challenges in the Asia Pacific region, with impacts extending to other parts of the body, including the heart and lungs.
Dr. Arleen Reyes, President of the Asia Pacific Dental Federation, stated: “Without oral health, there is no overall health. Oral diseases are largely preventable, yet they continue to impose a growing burden on individuals and healthcare systems across the region. Prevention is our most powerful tool in oral care, and it’s time to fully harness its potential. This white paper is a call to action—urging patients, dental professionals, schools, and policymakers to recognize that good oral health begins with daily home care.”
Clinical Evidence for Incorporating Mouthwash into Daily Care
Most people know they should brush their teeth twice a day. However, few realize that brushing alone cleans only about 25% of the mouth’s surfaces. Areas such as the gums, tongue, inner cheeks, and between teeth—where bacteria accumulate and problems begin—are largely left uncleaned.
The APDF white paper confirms that adding a therapeutic mouthwash to daily brushing and flossing helps compensate for the limitations of mechanical cleaning. Studies reviewed by APDF found that this approach typically reduces plaque by 25-50% and improves gum inflammation and bleeding by 15-30% within six months, compared to brushing and flossing alone. One study found a 30.8% reduction in plaque, along with a 39% improvement in gingivitis and a 67.8% reduction in gum bleeding.
Among the mouthwash formulations reviewed, essential oil and chlorhexidine mouthwashes showed the strongest evidence for plaque and gum health improvement. Essential oil formulations are well-suited for long-term daily use, while chlorhexidine formulations are typically recommended for short-term use.
Who Benefits Most
While the three-step oral care routine benefits everyone, the APDF white paper notes that the following groups gain the most from daily mouthwash use:
- Children (aged 6 and above) and Adolescents: 34 studies showed that daily use of fluoride mouthwash reduces cavities in younger populations; for teenagers with braces or irregular brushing habits, it is one of the easiest habits to establish early.
- Adults with Chronic Diseases: Gum health is clinically linked to heart health, diabetes, and respiratory health.
- Long-term Medication Users and the Elderly: Dry mouth (a common side effect of medications) increases the risk of cavities. Daily use of fluoride mouthwash is a simple and effective countermeasure.
Dr. Jose Angelo Militante, Chair of the APDF General Dental Practice Committee and Oral Surgeon, stated: “Between dental visits, effective daily oral hygiene is the best way to build optimal oral health. After clinical treatment, adopting effective oral hygiene measures, including an antibacterial mouthwash, can also minimize the risk of post-operative complications such as surgical site infections and delayed wound healing, thereby helping to improve surgical outcomes.”
Oral diseases affect 3.5 billion people worldwide, and the white paper calls on governments and policymakers to prioritize prevention as a public health imperative.
Listerine® Aligns with Dentist-Led Guidelines
Listerine® has supported scientific research on mouthwash for over 100 years. With more than 50 clinical trials, it is trusted by over 1 billion people in 85 countries. As an essential oil-based antibacterial mouthwash, Listerine® directly aligns with the evidence highlighted in the APDF white paper, which identifies essential oil formulations as one of the most suitable options for long-term daily use.
Dr. Ashley Barlow, Senior Director of Medical and Safety Science, Asia Pacific, Kenvue, stated: “Good oral health begins with daily home care. The APDF white paper reminds us that a simple, consistent routine of brushing, interdental cleaning, and daily mouthwash use is both practical and well-supported by evidence. For over a century, Listerine® has been part of this routine, and we remain committed to supporting this ‘prevention-first’ philosophy that can make a real difference.”
To access the full white paper, please visit: https://bit.ly/APDFWhitePaper.