Clinical efficacy of a chlorhexidine-delivering toothbrush.
OBJECTIVE
Evaluate the efficacy and safety of an experimental toothbrush with a slow-release system of chlorhexidine (CHX) and determine its ability to inhibit plaque, bleeding, staining and oral tissue abnormalities during 6 weeks of use.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty healthy volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the Test Brush group with a template slow-delivery system of CHX (Ttb), the Control Brush group without CHX (Ctb) and the Control Brush group without CHX but rinsing post-brushing with a 0.2% CHX mouthrinse (Ctb+R). At baseline as well as at 3 and 6 weeks, all clinical parameters were assessed. Following the baseline assessment, a supragingival prophylaxis was provided.


RESULTS
One hundred and forty subjects completed the study. The Ctb+R group had lower plaque and bleeding scores than the Ttb and the Ctb group and significantly (p=0.0001) higher stain scores. There were no significant differences in plaque, bleeding and stain scores between the Ttb and the Ctb group. No differences were detected in oral tissue changes, except for discoloration of the tongue.


CONCLUSIONS
In the present study, no beneficial effect could be demonstrated for the experimental CHX-releasing toothbrush. The use of a 0.2% CHX mouthrinse (in combination with brushing) remains the gold standard for additional chemical plaque control.
Van Strydonck
Danielle A C
DA
Department of Periodontology, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, The Netherlands. d.v.strydonck@.acta.nl
Timmerman
Mark F
MF
Van der Velden
Ubele
U
Van der Weijden
Fridus
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009067:Mouthwashes; D010512:Periodontal Index; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D014099:Toothbrushing / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D009067:Mouthwashes; D002710:Chlorhexidine