The effect of chlorhexidine on glycemic and inflammation control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine 0.12% in periodontal parameters of dental plaque indices and gingival indices and in the glycemic control in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM). This crossover study was carried in two stages within a 6-month gap between them. We selected 16 volunteers with type 1 DM (aged from 6 to 14 years). These patients were randomly divided in two groups: group 1 (oral hygiene instruction; chlorhexidine 0.12% mouth rinse for 15 days); group 2 (oral hygiene instruction). In the second stage, the patients changed the groups. All patients received basic periodontal treatment and instruction to perform buccal hygiene using the scrubbing technique. After 3 and 6 months, the patients were instructed again and they received a periodontal maintenance therapy. The evaluation of periodontal parameters (dental plaque indices and gingival indices) and glycemic control (glycemic measures through fasting blood glucose levels and glycated hemoglobin levels - HbA1c) was carried out from 0, 3 and 6 months. Considering all parameters, only plaque indices presented a significant reduction after 6 months in group 1 and after 3 months in group 2, if compared with initial values. The groups did not present significant differences between them in all the assessed parameters. The chlorhexidine solution did not provide benefits for periodontal parameters and for the glycemic control in children with type 1DM.