pH values of fluoride mouthwashes marketed in Peru: an observational study

The objective of this research was to determine the average pH value of fluoride mouthwashes marketed in Peru. The methodological design was experimental-descriptive. Seven commercial brands were evaluated, with a sample of 21 fluoride mouthwashes, three per group, Colgate Plax Ice Glacial Zero Alcohol, Colgate Plax Soft Mint Zero Alcohol, Listerine Total Care Zero, Listerine Anticaries, Oral B Complete, Dento Menta Zero Alcohol and Vitis Orthodontic; a previously calibrated digital pH meter was used to measure the pH and the data was processed with ANOVA and Tukey tests, finding statistically significant differences in the means of the pH values of the mouthwashes p=0. 000(p<0.05), these were considered acidic since they obtained values ranging from 3.93 to 6.27, of which 6 of the brands evaluated obtained values below the critical pH=5.5 considered potentially erosive for the enamel, Listerine Anticaries was the most acidic with a pH=3.93 and Dento Menta Zero Alcohol the least acidic with a pH=6.27, being the only brand that was above the critical value. It is suggested that the pH value be expressed on the commercial label, and thus be taken into account when choosing the most appropriate mouthwash according to the patient's needs, evaluating the benefit/side effect.