Cetylpyridinium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound with a broad antimicrobial spectrum commonly used as an active ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpastes. This compound gains it antimicrobial strength by the presence of pyridine cation in its structure that serves as a remarkable competitor for binding to bacterial cell wall that has a negative surface charge. The widespread use of antibiotics has resulted in development of resistance in microbes towards their antimicrobials that is no different for cetylpyridinium chloride. A statement by the W.H.O claims that today’s common infections could one day turn lethal to the mankind’s a result of the microbes developing drug resistance. Several studies have been done for gauging the antimicrobial efficacy of CPC that have been done on oral microbial samples , the results showed phenomenal efficacy in destroying biofilms and antimicrobial strength. Development of antimicrobial property in dental materials for long term retainer wearers is a boon for the patients oral health and structural integrity of their enamel. CPC has proved to be useful in decreasing salivary viral count of SARS-CoV-2.

Cetylpyridinium chloride is a quaternary ammonium compound with a broad antimicrobial spectrum commonly used as an active ingredient in mouthwashes and toothpastes.