The effect of 1% chlorhexidine gel delivered with toothpicks on proximal dental plaque. A pilot study

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 1% chlorhexidine gel delivered with toothpicks on interproximal dental plaque. Seven follow-up patients participated in two treatment periods of 1 week each, separated by a normal oral hygiene period of one week. The study had double-blind design. The plaque index by Silness and Löe (Acta Odontol Scand 22: 121-135, 1964) was scored on mesial, distal, buccal and lingual surfaces of each tooth after plaque disclosure, with an aqueous solution of erythrosine and the measurements were performed by the same examiner, at the initial visit and at the end of every experimental week. The ability to use toothpicks was checked and upgraded to the individual need. The participants were instructed to carry out their normal oral hygiene procedures, with placebo gel or 1% chlorhexidine gel delivered interproximally with toothpicks once daily. No significant differences in the measurement of plaque were noted between placebo gel and 1% chlorhexidine gel at interproximal areas. After treatment with 1% chlorhexidine gel, the mean distribution of plaque score 0 was increased significantly (P < 0.05), from 30.7 sites (52%) to 42 sites (71.1%) when all sites are taken into account and compared to the placebo period. 1% Chlorhexidine gel delivered by toothpick on interproximal areas had a limited effect on reduction of dental plaque.