Effect of mixed chlorhexidine and hydrogen peroxide mouthrinses on developing plaque and stain in gingivitis patients: a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract

To evaluate the effects of mixed chlorhexidine (CHX)/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) mouthrinses compared with CHX mouthrinse alone on plaque, tooth stain, and gingivitis. This study was a double-blind, randomized two group parallel experiment, using a 14-day non-brushing half-mouth model. The test group was randomly assigned to the mixed 0.12% CHX and 1.5% H2O2 mouthrinse, whereas the control group used 0.12% CHX. Sixty healthy volunteers were enrolled in the study and received scaling and polishing 2weeks prior to the experiment and then rinsed with the allocated mouthrinses twice daily for 2weeks. The plaque, stain, and gingivitis scores were evaluated and recorded by a calibrated investigator. Fifty-two subjects completed the study (CHX + H2O2n = 25/CHX n = 27). There were significant differences between the control and test groups for plaque index (CHX 0.64 ± 0.41 vs. CHX + H2O2 0.46 ± 0.36, p = 0.035) and stain intensity at proximal areas (CHX 0.26 ± 0.36 vs. CHX + H2O2 0.09 ± 0.14, p = 0.019) at the end of the experimental non-brushing side. However, the gingival indices did not differ significantly (CHX 0.61 ± 0.34 vs. CHX + H2O2 0.62 ± 0.31, p = 0.938) between groups. In the absence of oral hygiene practice, the mixed CHX + H2O2 mouthrinse was slightly superior in reducing plaque scores and stain compared with CHX alone. The clinical effectiveness of CHX + H2O2 is comparable with CHX mouthwash alone. Therefore, the use of the mixed mouthrinse is beneficial compared with CHX for minimizing biofilm and tooth staining.