0.1% octenidine versus 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes for plaque-induced gingivitis: A triple-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Plaque-induced gingivitis is commonly managed by mechanical plaque control, but adjunctive mouthrinses may improve outcomes. Therefore, it is of interest to compare 0.1% octenidine, 0.2% chlorhexidine and placebo in 66 patients with plaque-induced gingivitis treated with scaling and root planing. Gingival index, plaque index, stain index and colony-forming units were recorded at baseline, 7 days and 15 days. Both octenidine and chlorhexidine produced significant reductions in gingival inflammation, plaque and microbial load compared with placebo, while chlorhexidine caused significantly greater staining. Thus, 0.1% octenidine showed efficacy comparable to 0.2% chlorhexidine with better cosmetic acceptability, supporting its use as an alternative adjunct in plaque-induced gingivitis.