Comparison of commercially available 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash with and without anti-discoloration system: A blinded, crossover clinical trial

J Clin Periodontol. 2020 Dec;47(12):1522-1527. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.13382. Epub 2020 Oct 28.

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate clinical performance and side effects of two commercially available 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes after periodontal surgery, one with (test) and one without (control) an anti-discoloration system.

Materials and methods: This single-centre, crossover clinical trial included 38 patients undergoing two sessions of periodontal flap surgery. The participants used two different 0.2% chlorhexidine products, one with and one without an anti-discoloration system, in the 14-day post-operative periods. Plaque, gingival inflammation, tooth staining, side effects and patient preference were evaluated.

Results: The control mouthwash (without an anti-discolouring system) produced significantly lower plaque (p = 0.02) and gingival index (p = 0.01) compared to the test mouthwash. The test mouthwash produced significantly less staining in the gingival (p = 0.002) and approximal areas (p = 0.0004), but no difference was detected in the buccal area of the teeth. The patients did not show preference for any of the mouthwashes.

Conclusion: Chlorhexidine mouthwash without an anti-discoloration system resulted in significantly lowered plaque and gingival index compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash with an anti-discoloration following periodontal surgery. No difference in patient preference was found despite less side effects produced by the chlorhexidine mouthwash with the anti-discoloration system.

Keywords: chlorhexidine; discoloration; mouthwash; periodontal surgery; staining.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local* / therapeutic use
  • Chlorhexidine / adverse effects
  • Dental Plaque* / drug therapy
  • Dental Plaque* / prevention & control
  • Gingivitis* / drug therapy
  • Gingivitis* / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Mouthwashes

Substances

  • Anti-Infective Agents, Local
  • Mouthwashes
  • Chlorhexidine