Clinical study on the effectiveness and side effects of hexetidine and chlorhexidine mouthrinses versus a negative control.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this clinical, controlled double-blind trial was to evaluate the effectiveness and side effects of two different mouthrinses.


METHODS
Ninety subjects with gingivitis (or slight periodontitis) were randomly allocated to three groups: group 1, Chlorhexamed (0.1% chlorhexidine); group 2, Hexoral (0.1% hexetidine); and group 3, a placebo-control compound. The subjects were instructed on how to use the mouthrinse. At baseline, as well as after 2 and 4 weeks, the Approximal Plaque Index (API), the Bleeding Index (BI), the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs, the Gingival Index (GI), and the Discoloration Index (DI), were measured. Statistical analysis was carried out with the Kruskal-Wallis test, Fisher's exact test, and Wilcoxon test.


RESULTS
In group 1, the mean API improved significantly (P < or = .001) after 4 weeks. The mean BI was reduced significantly, as was the GI. In group 2, the mean API and the mean BI both decreased significantly, and a statistically significant reduction of the GI was also seen. In group 3, significant improvements of the mean values of all parameters were documented after 4 weeks. When comparing group 3 with groups 1 and 2, the difference in the reduction of the API was statistically significant (P < .002). No statistical difference could be shown when comparing groups 1 and 2. Regarding the improved results of the BI and the GI, no statistically significant difference was found in the effectiveness of all 3 compounds. All 3 groups showed some increase in the mean DI after 4 weeks. Comparing groups 1 and 2 directly, the difference in the increase in the discoloration of the teeth was statistically significant (P = .0035). There was no statistical difference in the mean discoloration scores comparing groups 2 and 3.


CONCLUSIONS
This double-blind clinical trial demonstrated Hexoral to be a useful alternative to Chlorhexamed mouthrinse, as well as one causing less discoloration.
Ernst
Claus-Peter
CP
Departmrnernt for Operative Dentistry, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany. ernst@uni-mainz.de
Canbek
Kerem
K
Dillenburger
Annette
A
Willershausen
Brita
B
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000517:prevention & control; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006590:Hexetidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D009067:Mouthwashes; D006590:Hexetidine; D002710:Chlorhexidine