Efficacy of two antiplaque and antigingivitis treatments in a group of young mentally retarded patients.
BACKGROUND
Chemical management of dental plaque for controlling oral hygiene becomes necessary in high-risk patients such as the mentally retarded.


METHODS
Thirty-seven mentally handicapped patients aged 10-19 years and with severe plaque and gingivitis were divided into two treatment groups: Group I (daily mouthrinse with triclosan-zinc for 8 weeks) and Group II (0.2% chlorhexidine spray for 2 weeks). Both groups were evaluated at the start of the study and after 2 and 8 weeks.


RESULTS
Significant reductions in plaque were observed in Group I after two weeks, with very significant improvements in both plaque and gingivitis after 8 weeks. In Group II, highly significant reductions in both indices were recorded after two weeks of treatment - significance persisting after 8 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Triclosan-zinc mouthrinse and chlorhexidine spray can be effective adjuncts to tooth brushing for controlling dental plaque and gingivitis in mentally retarded patients.
Montiel-Company
J M
JM
Odontologia Preventiva y Comunitaria, Departamento de Estomatologia, Universidad de Valencia, Spain.
Almerich-Silla
J M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014260:Triclosan / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D009067:Mouthwashes; D014260:Triclosan; D002710:Chlorhexidine