ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--3M today announced the addition of a single application kit to its line of Peridex™ (Chlorhexidine Gluconate 0.12%) Oral Rinse products. The new, convenient kit includes a 15 ml dose bottle, soft toothbrush and swab. Peridex Oral Rinse is indicated for the treatment of gingivitis and provides antimicrobial activity during oral rinsing.

“Peridex carries more than 20 years of clinical proof in reducing gingivitis,” said James Ingebrand, Marketing Director, 3M Infection Prevention. “The new, single-application kit with Peridex Oral Rinse makes oral care quick and simple for our customers.”

3M’s Oral Care Kit with Peridex Oral Rinse is the latest product from the company’s Infection Prevention Division, which also introduced a number of “firsts” that have helped define current infection prevention practices, from Ioban™ antimicrobial drapes to Avagard™ hand antiseptics. As with all 3M Infection Prevention Division products, the Oral Care Kit with Peridex is the result of science, technology and customer input. Combined, these factors help the 3M Infection Prevention division develop products and best practices that detect, prevent and control the risk of infection.

About 3M Health Care

3M Health Care, one of 3M’s six major business segments, provides world-class innovative products and services to help health care professionals improve the practice, delivery and outcome of patient care in medical, oral care, drug delivery and health information markets.

For more information, visit www.3M.com.

3M is a trademark of 3M.

The clinical significance of Peridex Oral Rinse antimicrobial activity is not clear. Three months after Peridex Oral Rinse use was discontinued, the number of bacteria in plaque had returned to baseline levels and resistance of plaque bacteria to chlorhexidine gluconate was equal to that at baseline. Peridex Oral Rinse is indicated for use between dental visits as part of a professional program for the treatment of gingivitis. Patients with a known sensitivity to chlorhexidine gluconate should not use Peridex Oral Rinse. The effect of Peridex Oral Rinse on periodontitis has not been determined. Common side effects associated with the use of Peridex Oral Rinse include an increase in the staining of oral surfaces, an increase in calculus formation and an alteration in taste perception.

Please see accompanying full prescribing information.

3MMary Clemens, 651-733-8806mcclemens@mmm.comorWeissComm PartnersRebekah Noven, 312-646-6293rnoven@wcpglobal.com