A randomized, controlled clinical trial on the clinical, microbiological, and staining effects of a novel 0.05% chlorhexidine/herbal extract and a 0.1% chlorhexidine mouthrinse adjunct to periodontal surgery.
BACKGROUND
Chlorhexidine (CHX) rinsing after periodontal surgery is common. We assessed the clinical and microbiological effects of two CHX concentrations following periodontal surgery.


METHODS
In a randomized, controlled clinical trial, 45 subjects were assigned to 4 weeks rinsing with a 0.05 CHX/herbal extract combination (test) or a 0.1% CHX solution. Clinical and staining effects were studied. Subgingival bacteria were assessed using the DNA-DNA checkerboard. Statistics included parametric and non-parametric tests (p<0001 to declare significance at 80% power).


RESULTS
At weeks 4 and 12, more staining was found in the control group (p<0.05 and p<0.001, respectively). A higher risk for staining was found in the control group (crude OR: 2.3:1, 95% CI: 1.3 to 4.4, p<0.01). The absolute staining reduction in the test group was 21.1% (9 5% CI: 9.4-32.8%). Probing pocket depth (PPD) decreases were significant (p<0.001) in both groups and similar (p=0.92). No rinse group differences in changes of bacterial counts for any species were found between baseline and week 12.


CONCLUSIONS
The test CHX rinse resulted in less tooth staining. At the study endpoint, similar and high counts of periodontal pathogens were found.
Duss
Christof
C
Department of Periodontology, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
Lang
Niklaus P
NP
Cosyn
Jan
J
Persson
G Rutger
GR
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D058491:Bacterial Load / Q000187:drug effects*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D055113:Chronic Periodontitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D015169:Colony Count, Microbial; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000382:microbiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D036142:Mentha piperita; D008875:Middle Aged; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D057747:Periodontal Debridement; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use; D028321:Plant Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D027544:Salvia; D012969:Sodium Fluoride / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013729:Terpenes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014075:Tooth Discoloration / Q000139:chemically induced
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004269:DNA, Bacterial; D004338:Drug Combinations; D009067:Mouthwashes; D010938:Plant Oils; D028321:Plant Preparations; D013729:Terpenes; D012969:Sodium Fluoride; C015424:peppermint oil; C014119:myrrh oil; C010882:chlorhexidine gluconate; D002710:Chlorhexidine