A randomized clinical trial on the short-term clinical and microbiological effects of the adjunctive use of a 0.05% chlorhexidine mouth rinse for patients in supportive periodontal care.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical and microbiological activity of a new mouth rinse formulation, used as an adjunct to oral hygiene, for patients in supportive periodontal care.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial with two groups: test group, rinsing twice per day with the test product (with 0.05% chlorhexidine and 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride); and control group, rinsing with a placebo. Treated chronic periodontitis patients were included, and two visits were rendered, baseline, and after 15 days. Clinical outcome variables included plaque and gingival indices, and probing pocket depth. Subgingival samples were processed by culturing. Patient-based variables and adverse effects were also assessed. Outcome variables were compared by t-test, chi2, and Mann-Whitney test.

RESULTS: The results belonged to 33 patients. Plaque and gingival indices, and the log of bacterial total counts were reduced in the test group (p < or = 0.01), but differences between groups were only statistically significant (p < 0.05) for plaque and bacterial counts. A significant reduction in the proportions of flora (p < 0.05) and frequency of detection (p = 0.01) of Porphyromonas gingivalis was observed in the test group.

CONCLUSIONS: The newly formulated mouth rinse demonstrated short-term plaque-inhibitory activity. This was associated with a reduction in the total load of anaerobic subgingival microflora.