Effects of supervised chlorhexidine mouthrinses in children. A longitudinal clinical trial

Abstract

The study tested the effects of supervised chlorhexidine digluconate (CH) mouthrinses on plaque and gingivitis in school children. 158 children (aged 10-12 years) participated in the study. They were divided into four groups matched according to age, sex, DMFS, and GI. Following a scaling and prophylaxis procedure, Group A was assigned to daily oral rinsing 6 times per week using a .2% solution of CH. Group B used the same solution only twice per week, and Group C was assigned to daily rinsing using a .1% solution of CH. Group D served as control and rinsed daily with a placebo solution. All the rinsings were supervised and timed for 30 seconds. No attempt was made to influence the oral hygiene habits of the children. Prior to the initial prophylaxis and after 6 months of supervised rinsing, plaque was scored using the Plaque Index (P1I), and gingivitis was assessed using the Gingival Index (GI). Calculus was scored according to the Calculus Surface Index (CSI), and stain was also graded. DMFS indices were assessed using clinical and radiographic examinations. At the end of the study plaque was significantly reduced in all CH groups when compared with the controls, and calculus increased significantly in all CH groups. In Group A the GI dropped from .88 to .15 and in Group from .80 to .24. In Group B the GI dropped from .79 to .38. In the control group a slight reduction from GI = .93 to GI = .75 was noted. The study has shown that gingivitis can be controlled on a longitudinal basis using .1% or .2% mouthrinses of CH as an adjunct to daily toothbrushing.