We considered studies in which oral rinses, mouthwashes and
sprays, used pre- and postoperatively, have been compared with
placebo for the outcomes sought in this review.
1. Oral rinses and mouthwashes used as a rinse or gargle
preoperatively and postoperatively.
2. Spraying of any topically acting agent onto the surgical site
postoperatively.
We excluded ’swish and swallow’ agents with potential systemic
effectswhichmight confound assessment of the primary outcomes
sought for this review. Concomitant administration of any other
formof painmedication whichmay influence any of the outcomes
was acceptable providing it was available equally to both the treatment
and control group.