Intraoral spread of the antimicrobial effect of a chlorhexidine gel

The aim of the study was to determine the range of the antimicrobial effect of Hibitane Dental Gel (ICI, Macclesfield, England), containing 1% chlorhexidine, when used as a dentifrice while brushing. A standard toothpaste with no claim for antibacterial activity (Pepsodent) was used as a control. Twenty-four dental students brushed their teeth during two 4-day periods using the closed mouth technique, i.e. they kept their teeth tightly clenched and brushed only the facial tooth surfaces twice daily. Before and after each test period the lingual and linguomesial surfaces of the mandibular teeth were scored for clearly visible plaque. The facially applied chlorhexidine gel had no more effect on plaque growth lingually than the standard toothpaste which was used as control. The lack of effect of the gel was suggested to be due to an insufficient spread and penetration capacity of its antimicrobial component.