Stop Making Unproven Health Claims, FDA Tells Mouthwash Makers

Three mouthwash makers - Johnson & Johnson, CVS Corporation and Walgreen Company - that say their products promote healthy gums and remove plaque above the gum have been told to stop making these claims by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). In a warning letter, the FDA accuses them of making claims about their products without proof; the claims being that they are effective in preventing gum disease.


The mouthwashes contain sodium fluoride, which is effective in preventing cavities, the FDA writes. However, there is no proof sodium fluoride prevents gum disease or plaque.


The companies make the following mouthwashes:

CVS Corporation makes CVS Complete Care Anticavity Mouthwash.
Johnson & Johnson makes Listerine Total Care Anticavity Mouthwash.
Walgreen Company makes Walgreen Mouth Rinse Full Action.

Deborah Autor, director of the Office of Compliance in FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, said: