Hydrogen peroxide, the effect on plaque and gingivitis when used in an oral irrigator.

The identification of plaque as the etiological agent in chronic gingivitis and the progression of chronic periodontitis, has intensified the search for effective chemical antiplaque agents to aid in the prevention and treatment of these diseases. To date, no ideal compound has been identified. Using the experimental gingivitis model, the effectiveness of a 1.5% hydrogen peroxide-containing oral rinse, applied as a conventional mouthrinse and in an oral irrigation device, was evaluated. The ability of the mouthrinse to inhibit the development of plaque and gingivitis in the two experimental groups, was compared with controls using a placebo rinse over two 7-day periods. At no time was there any statistical difference between either of the experimental groups and/or the placebo group in terms of gingival or plaque scores. This study concluded that a 1.5% hydrogen peroxide mouthwash was of no therapeutic value in the prevention or treatment of an experimental gingivitis, when used as a mouthrinse or in an oral irrigator.