Efficacy of Different Chlorhexidine Concentrations

Chlorhexidine is the gold standard of dental plaque prevention, but which concentration is the most effective is not known. The aim of the present study was to compare the plaque and gingivitis inhibiting effect of commercial products containing 0.2%, 0.12% and 0.06% chlorhexidine in a modified experimental gingivitis model. In three groups of healthy volunteers, experimental gingivitis was induced and monitored over 21days, simultaneously treated with the commercial solutions containing 0.2%, 0.12% and 0.06% chlorhexidine. The maxillary right quadrant of each individual received mouthwash only, whereas the maxillary left quadrant was subject to both rinsing and mechanical oral hygiene. Compliance and side effects were monitored at days 7, 14, and 21. Plaque and gingivitis scores were obtained at baseline and day 21. The commercial mouthwash containing 0.2% chlorhexidine resulted in statistically significantly lower plaque scores than the 0.12 and 0.06% mouthwashes after 21 days use, whereas no statistically significant difference was found between the effect of the two latter mouthrinses. A commercial available mouthwash containing 0.2% chlorhexidine proved statistically significant better effect in preventing dental plaque than 0.12% and 0.06% solutions.