Chlorine dioxide and chlorhexidine mouthrinses compared in a 3-day plaque accumulation model.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to investigate the inhibiting effect of a chlorine dioxide mouthrinse as opposed to a mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine (0.20%) during 3 days of plaque accumulation.


METHODS
At baseline, all participants (N=77) received a professional prophylaxis and were randomly assigned to the test (chlorine dioxide) or (positive) control (chlorhexidine) group. On the following 3 days, both groups rinsed twice daily for 1 minute with 10 ml test or control solution. At the end of the experimental period, plaque was assessed, and the panelists filled out a questionnaire.


RESULTS
Chlorhexidine inhibited plaque growth significantly more than the mouthrinse containing chlorine dioxide (plaque index=1.39 versus 1.96, respectively; P<0.001). The results of the questionnaire showed that the panelists found chlorhexidine easier to use and more effective. However, they preferred the taste of the chlorine dioxide mouthrinse and experienced less taste alterations.


CONCLUSIONS
Chlorine dioxide mouthrinse seems to be a less potent plaque inhibitor than chlorhexidine.
Paraskevas
Spiros
S
Department of Periodontology, Academic Center for Dentistry Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. s.paraskevas@acta.nl
Rosema
Nanning A M
NA
Versteeg
Paula
P
Van der Velden
Ubele
U
Van der Weijden
G A
GA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017606:Chlorine Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010087:Oxides / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013649:Taste / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D017606:Chlorine Compounds; D009067:Mouthwashes; D010087:Oxides; C025109:chlorine dioxide; D002710:Chlorhexidine