Efficacy of a 0.5% chlorhexidine gel on the control of gingivitis in Brazilian mentally handicapped patients.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effectiveness of a 0.5% chlorhexidine gel on the reduction of interdental gingival bleeding.


METHODS
Forty-three mentally handicapped subjects, living in an institution (Casas André Luiz, Brazil), were enrolled in a double-blind randomised clinical trial. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: test (chlorhexidine gel) and control (placebo gel). The gel was applied with trays, twice a day, over a period of 8 weeks. The interdental bleeding index (IBI) was recorded before and after the period in which the gel was used.


RESULTS
Statistical analysis showed that baseline IBI scores were similar (p=0.82) for test and control groups (55.6% and 54.5%, respectively). After 8 weeks, a statistically significant (p<0.001) decrease in IBI means took place in the test group (33.2%). The control group presented a small increase (60.6%) in IBI scores. The difference between groups was significant at the end of the study (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicated that the use of a 0.5% chlorhexidine gel was effective in reducing interdental gingival bleeding in special patients.
Pannuti
C M
CM
Department of Periodontology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
Saraiva
M C
MC
Ferraro
A
A
Falsi
D
D
Cai
S
S
Lotufo
R F M
RF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D001938:Brazil; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007326:Institutionalization; D008607:Intellectual Disability; D008297:Male; D010512:Periodontal Index
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D005782:Gels; D002710:Chlorhexidine