Comparison of Commercially Available 0.12% and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Mouthrinses on Plaque and Gingiva: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Regardless of potent anti-microbial and anti-plaque properties of Chlorhexidine (CHX), its widespread and comprehensive uses are restricted by local side effects which are mostly dose dependent. Thus, by understanding the properties and limitations of the CHX molecule, consideration has been given to CHX with lower concentrations, though, this, may produce an impact on its activity emphasizing the need for further clinical trials. The present study was, thus, designed to assess and compare the efficacy of commercially available 0.12% (Periogard) and 0.2% (Hexidine) of CHX mouthrinses on dental plaque and gingiva over a period of eight weeks. Materials and Methods: A randomized control, triple blind parallel clinical trial was designed among ninety-nine subjects. The study subjects were randomly distributed into three groups with random allocation of mouthrinses to each group. Plaque and gingival indices were recorded by using Plaque and Gingival indices were recorded by using Turesky, Gilmore and Glickman's modification of Quigley Hein Plaque Index and Loe and Silness Gingival Index. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows version 21 (IBM Corp, Armonk, USA). Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test was applied to compare reduction in mean plaque scores and mean gingival scores at different time intervals while pair-wise comparison in between the groups was done by using Mann-Whitney U test. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Both the 0.2% and 0.12% CHX mouthrinses were effective in controlling plaque and gingivitis over a period of eight weeks. These mouthrinses exhibited significant decreases in mean plaque and gingival scores during baseline to 4th week examination, however, a significant rise in mean plaque and gingival score was noted again from 4th week to 8th week examination. Conclusion: The study concluded that lower concentrations of CHX (0.12%) are as effective as 0.2% of CHX, thereby, use of lower concentrations of CHX can be recommended.