Two years oral use of chlorhexidine in man. I. General design and clinical effects.

Abstract

The general objectives of this study were to examine the long term effects of daily chlorhexidine application on the development of dental plaque, calculus and periodontal pathology and to monitor changes in oral microbiology and any systemic or local side effects following prolonged use of chlorhexidine over a period of two years.An experimental group of 61 medical and dental students used 10 ml. of 0.2 per cent aqueous solution of chlorhexidine gluconate daily in addition to tooth brushing and interdental cleansing. A control group of 59 students used a placebo solution in addtion to tooth brushing and interdental cleansing. Assessment of selected oral and systemic parameters took place at regular intervals throughout the experiment.The results show that, when compared to the placebo solution, chlorhexidine treatment reduced plaque and gingivitis, but tended to stain teeth. Stains were readily removed by a conventional dental prophylaxis procedure. The chlorhexidine group tended to exhibit a greater amount of supragingival calculus. There were no other local side effects relative to the structure and function of the oral mucosa, tongue, salivary glands and pharyngeal complex, following the prolonged use of chlorhexidine.