The effect of mouthrinses and topical application of chlorhexidine on the development of dental plaque and gingivitis in man

TLDR

Twenty‑four healthy male dental students stopped all oral hygiene to serve as subjects for the study. Participants were divided into four groups: four rinsed twice daily with 0.2% chlorhexidine, eight rinsed once daily, six received no treatment as controls, and six applied a 2% chlorhexidine gel once daily. Two daily rinses with 0.2% chlorhexidine prevented plaque, one daily rinse was ineffective, a single daily 2% topical application completely inhibited plaque, and plaque returned to normal rates after discontinuation, indicating that daily chlorhexidine applied to all tooth surfaces can fully prevent plaque and gingivitis.

Abstract

Twenty‐four male dental students with healthy gingivae and clean teeth ceased all oral hygiene procedures. (A) Four subjects rinsed, twice daily, with a 0.2 per cent solution of chlorhexidine gluconate; (B) eight students rinsed, once daily, with the same solution; (C) six students did not rinse and formed the control group and (D) six students received one daily application of a 2 per cent solution of chlorhexidine gluconate. The study confirmed previous observations (Löe and Rindom Schiött 1969, 1970) that two daily mouth rinses with a 0.2 per cent solution of chlorhexidine effectively prevent plaque formation. One daily rinse did not inhibit plaque formation in all areas of the dentition. One daily topical application of a 2 per cent solution of chlorhexidine gluconate prevented plaque formation completely. Upon discontinuation of the chlorhexidine treatment plaque formed at normal rates, suggesting that there is no appreciable effect beyond a 24 hour period. It is concluded that complete inhibition of plaque and prevention of gingivitis may be achieved by daily application of chlorhexidine, provided the agent is administered in such a way that it reaches all tooth surfaces.