Effect of Antibacterial Mouthwash on Muscle Function in Healthy Young Men and Women

Study Visit One:

During an initial visit, subjects will complete the informed consent process, be instructed on the requirements of the study, and practice the exercise protocol (see below).

Study Visit Two:

Subjects will be tested after they have avoided exercise, caffeine, alcohol, chewing gum, and foods high in nitrate (e.g., spinach, beets, collard greens) for at least 24 hours. They will also be asked to not use any mouthwash products during this period. They will then provide provide a saliva sample for subsequent measurement of nitrate and nitrite concentrations and have their breath nitric oxide levels measured using a portable analyzer. The maximal knee extensor speed and power of their knee extensor muscles will then be measured using an isokinetic dynamometer. This machine can control the speed of movement while measuring the maximal force (torque) that a subject can voluntarily produce.

Subjects will then be randomly assigned to receive either an antibacterial mouthwash (Cepacol©, Reckitt Benckiser, Parsippany, NJ) or, as a control solution, an alcohol-free "natural" mouthwash (Tom's of Maine©, Kennebunk, ME). Participants will be asked to rinse their mouth as directed on the product's packaging for 30 s twice per day for 7 (+/-2) days and to record the usage of the mouthwash on a provided form. Subjects will then return for Study Visit 3 (see below). This is considered a single-blind study, which means that the investigators will not know what type of mouthwash a subject is receives.