Periodontology Literature Review

CHLORHEXIDINE

Loe, H. and Schiott, C.K. : The Effect of Mouthrinses and Topical Application of Chlorhexidine on the Development of Dental Plaque and Gingivitis in Man. J. Perio Res. 5:79, 1970

Purpose:

To study the effect of mouthrinses and topical applications of CHX on the development of plaque and gingivitis

Materials and methods:

0.2% solution of CHX was used on 24 male patients with good oral hygiene. Plaque and gingival indices were 0. The patients were divided into groups as follows: Group A: (n=4), rinse with 10 ml of CHX 0.2% twice a day, for 22 days. Then stop any oral hygiene for 11 days. Group B: (n=8), rinse with 10 ml of CHX 0.2%, once a day for 40 days. Group C: (n=6), no oral hygiene, no rinse for 22 days. Group D: (n=6), first period 2% CHX solution applied to teeth for 15 days. On the second part, 4 weeks after completion of part one, the patients were rinsing with 0.1% quinine chloride , once a day for 15 days.

Results:

Rinsing twice a day with 0.2% CHX prevent plaque formation with minimal increase in the gingival index. There was staining of teeth and tongue. Plaque index (PI) was 0.05. Once a day rinse showed a PI of 0.22. There was development of gingivitis , but the discoloration was delayed. The placebo group showed PI of 1.73, and GI of 0.62. In the absence of toothbrushing , one daily rinse is not sufficient to inhibit plaque formation in all areas. One daily topical application of 2% CHX inhibited plaque formation completely. Plaque starts to forms at normal rates when CHX is discontinued.

Conclusion:

Complete inhibition plaque and prevention of gingivitis may be achieved by daily application of CHX, if agent reaches all tooth surfaces. There is no effect beyond 24 hr period. At five days after using CHX staining of tongue occur followed by staining of the teeth at 10 days.

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