A comparison of two chlorhexidine gel brushing regimens and a conventional toothpaste brushing regimen for the development of tooth staining over a 6-week period.
OBJECTIVE
A single-centre, randomized single-blind parallel study was undertaken to compare staining seen with three brushing regimens and to determine subject perception of side effects such as staining and effects on taste.


METHODS
This 6-week parallel study used 157 volunteers who were randomized into one of three treatment groups: (i) brushing in the morning and evening with a normal dose of a 1% chlorhexidine gel, (ii) brushing with a low dose of chlorhexidine gel in the evening and a whitening dentifrice in the morning, and (iii) brushing with a standard fluoride paste in the morning and evening. Following home usage of their allocated products, the study volunteers returned after 3 and 6 weeks to record the amount of stain present. After the 6-week period, subject perception of taste and stain acceptability was determined using a questionnaire.


RESULTS
After 6 weeks of use of the low-dose chlorhexidine gel and whitening dentifrice, significantly more stain was seen compared with the use of a standard dentifrice (P<0.0001). Similarly, significantly more stain was seen with use of the normal-dose chlorhexidine gel compared with the low-dose gel and whitening dentifrice (P=0.0007). Approximately 30% of individuals on the low-dose chlorhexidine gel regimen found the amount of stain unacceptable and 10% noted an effect on their taste perception.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of low dose of chlorhexidine gel at night and a whitening paste in the morning produced a significant amount of stain that 30% of subjects considered unacceptable.
Claydon
N C A
NC
Department of Oral & Dental Science, University of Bristol Dental School, UK.
Addy
M
M
Adams
G
G
Smith
S R
SR
Bosma
M L
ML
North
M
M
Moran
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D045424:Complex Mixtures / Q000008:administration & dosage; D003802:Dentifrices / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011756:Diphosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011122:Polyphosphates / Q000008:administration & dosage; D017680:Potassium Compounds / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012824:Silicic Acid; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000379:methods*; D014100:Toothpastes
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; C479359:Aquafresh All Tartar Control; D045424:Complex Mixtures; D003802:Dentifrices; D011756:Diphosphates; D011122:Polyphosphates; D017680:Potassium Compounds; D014100:Toothpastes; C546060:hydrated silica gel-based toothpaste; D012824:Silicic Acid; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D012969:Sodium Fluoride; C010882:chlorhexidine gluconate; D002710:Chlorhexidine