The effectiveness and side effects of 0.1% and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinses: a clinical study.
OBJECTIVE
The study compared two commercial chlorhexidine mouthrinses (Chlorhexamed 0.1% and Corsodyl 0.2%) for their effects on dental plaque and gingival inflammation, their side effects (eg, tooth staining and mucosal irritation), and patient acceptance.


METHODS
One hundred thirty healthy volunteers were randomly distributed into two groups of 65 each. Each volunteer had gingivitis or chronic marginal periodontitis and used the rinse two times a day for 4 weeks. The sulcular bleeding index, approximal plaque index, gingival index, and a discoloration index were taken at baseline and once a week thereafter. The patients were questioned about taste disturbances, mucosal irritation, and their perception of the taste of the mouthrinse.


RESULTS
In both groups, after 4 weeks, the mean sulcular bleeding index, approximal plaque index, and gingival index scores had decreased significantly. The discoloration index had increased significantly in both groups. There were no statistically significant differences between the two mouthrinses in any of these measurements. There were no significant differences in side effects reported by the two groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The increase in concentration of chlorhexidine provided no clinical advantages or disadvantages.
Ernst
C P
CP
Department of Restorative Dentistry and Periodontology, Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany.
Prockl
K
K
Willershausen
B
B
D000328:Adult; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D013651:Taste Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000139:chemically induced
D009067:Mouthwashes; C010882:chlorhexidine gluconate; D002710:Chlorhexidine