The effect of a chlorhexidine-containing gel on oral cleanliness and gingival health in young adults.
Students at a vocational school participated in a double-blind, cross-over study to test the effect of brushing with a 1% chlorhexidine-containing gel once a day. In the control period, a placebo gel was used. Each treatment period lasted for 4 weeks. This was subsequently followed by 4 weeks of ordinary toothbrushing. Any toothbrushing additional to the therapeutic brushing was performed with a standard commercial dentifrice without abrasives. In addition to the treatment groups, containing a total of 24 subjects, another group of 12 subjects received standardized oral hygiene instruction. Oral hygiene and gingival condition were assessed in all groups throughout the study. The chlorhexidine-containing gel seemed to have no effect on gingivitis and only a slight inhibitory effect on plaque formation. Furthermore, an increase in the degree and frequency of staining of the tooth surfaces related to the use of active gel were observed.
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001645:Biguanides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D005881:Gingiva / Q000187:drug effects; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009909:Oral Health; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010919:Placebos; D013997:Time Factors; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000139:chemically induced; D014099:Toothbrushing
D001645:Biguanides; D005782:Gels; D010919:Placebos; D002710:Chlorhexidine