Comparative efficacy of topical povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine gel on dental plaque regrowth in toddlers: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to compare and evaluate the efficacy of topical use of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) solution and chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on dental plaque regrowth after 3 and 7 days in toddlers aged 24–36 months. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled trial that included 45 healthy toddlers aged 24–36 months, who were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group received a placebo (distilled water (DW)) (negative control). The second group received topical CHX gel (0.2% w/v) (positive control). The third group received topical PVP-I solution (10% w/v). Plaque accumulation was measured at the baseline (t0), after 3 days (t1) and after 7 days (t2) using the Turesky-modified Quigley–Hein plaque index (TMQHPI). Oral hygiene practices were prohibited during the trial period. The trial ID is ACTRN12623000567628. Results: In the DW group, the mean of the TMQHPI score was 1.89 ± 0.67 at t0 and decreased to 1.45 ± 0.66 at t1 (p =.028). Similarly, in the CHX group, the mean of the TMQHPI score was 1.83 ± 1.06 at t0 and decreased to 1.02 ± 0.99 at t1 (p =.033). Regarding the PVP-I group, the mean of the TMQHPI score went from 1.84 ± 0.85 to 1.01 ± 0.61 at t1 and then increased to 1.57 ± 0.74 at t2. Those changes were statistically significant (p =.001) and (p =.002), respectively. No statistically significant difference was noted between TMQHPI scores at t0 (p =.789). Regarding t1 and t2, no statistically significant difference was found between the three groups (p >.05). Conclusion: CHX and PVP-I efficacy lasted only for 3 days, and PVP-I was not superior to CHX in terms of plaque control in toddlers. However, further studies are needed to determine the long-term efficacy of these antiplaque agents in toddlers.