Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) is a cationic quaternary ammonium compound used in some types of mouthwashes, toothpastes, lozenges, throat sprays, breath sprays, and nasal sprays.
It is an antiseptic that kills bacteria.
It is effective in preventing dental plaque and reducing gingivitis.
It may cause surface staining to teeth,, but this is controversial.
OTC products containing cetylpyridinium chloride include oral wash, oral rinse, lozenges and cough syrups.
Mouthwashes provide a small but significant benefit when compared with toothbrushing only or toothbrushing followed by a placebo rinse: reduces plaque and gingivitis.
In combination with chlorhexidine and zinc lactate, it is effective in treating halitosis.
Cetylpyridinium chloride is associated with tooth staining in approximately 3 percent of users, as stains are a result of bacteria dying on the teeth.