title: Clinical evaluation of chlorhexidine for the control of dental biofilm in children with special needs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the present study was to assess two vehicles and forms of the in-home administration of chlorhexidine for the control of dental biofilm in children with special needs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-nine children aged seven to 12 years (mixed dentition phase) participated in the study. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over clinical trial was carried out with the following treatment groups: 1 - 0.12% chlorhexidine gel (CG); 2 - placebo gel (PG); 3 - 0.12% chlorhexidine spray (CS); 4 - placebo spray (PS). Ten-day experiment periods were separated by 15-day washout intervals.
  
  
  METHODS
  The parameters evaluated were plaque, gingival bleeding, and preferences of parents/caregivers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The initial conditions were similar in each phase of the experiment (p > 0.05). The treatments with chlorhexidine (gel and spray) achieved a significant reduction (p < 0.0001) in plaque and bleeding. The placebo treatments did not achieve significant differences (p > 0.05). The parents/caregivers preferred the administration of chlorhexidine in spray form.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The topical administration of chlorhexidine associated to tooth brushing led to a reduction in dental biofilm and gingival bleeding in children with special needs. Administration in spray form proved easier and was preferred by parents/caregivers.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dentistry Ponta Grossa State University, School of Dentistry, Ponta Grossa, Paraná, Brazil.
authors.forename: A C R
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Chibinski
authors.forename: M T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Pochapski
authors.forename: P V
authors.initials: PV
authors.lastname: Farago
authors.forename: F A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Santos
authors.forename: G D
authors.initials: GD
authors.lastname: Czlusniak
mesh_terms: D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000379:methods*; D003730:Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities / Q000379:methods*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D005260:Female; D005782:Gels; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D058993:Oral Sprays; D057240:Patient Preference; D010512:Periodontal Index; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
chemical_list: D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D005782:Gels; D058993:Oral Sprays; D002710:Chlorhexidine