Differences in efficacy of two commercial 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse solutions: a 4-day plaque re-growth study.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this clinical cross-over study was to examine the antibacterial and plaque-inhibiting properties of two chlorhexidine solutions compared with a negative control.


METHODS
Twenty-one volunteers refrained from all oral hygiene measures, but rinsed instead twice daily with 10 ml of a conventional chlorhexidine solution (0.2%; CHX), a chlorhexidine solution with anti-discolouration system (ADS) (0.2%, alcohol-free chlorhexidine solution (CSP)) or a placebo solution (Pla). Plaque index (PI), plaque area (PA) and bacterial vitality were assessed after 24 h (PI1, vital flora (VF)1) and 96 h (PI2; VF2, PA). After a 10-day wash-out period, a new test cycle was started.


RESULTS
Results for Pla were 0.94, 1.59, 27.4 (PI1, PI2, PA) and 79% and 72% (VF1 and VF2). CSP significantly reduced the parameter PI1, PI2 and PA to 0.67 (p=0.012), 1.0 and 15.7 (p<0.001). VF1 and VF2 (63% and 53%) were not significantly affected. The corresponding figures of CHX were 0.42, 0.43, 6.77, 33 and 16%, which were all significantly lower (all p<0.001). On comparing the two chlorhexidine solutions, CHX showed significantly higher reductions of all parameters.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that the 0.2% alcohol-containing solution showed superiority in inhibiting plaque re-growth and reducing bacterial vitality compared with the solution with ADS.
Arweiler
Nicole B
NB
Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Dental School and Hospital, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany. arweiler@zmk2.ukl.uni-freiburg.de
Boehnke
Nils
N
Sculean
Anton
A
Hellwig
Elmar
E
Auschill
Thorsten M
TM
D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D050296:Microbial Viability / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009067:Mouthwashes; C010882:chlorhexidine gluconate; D002710:Chlorhexidine