[Plak-out and Broxojet 3007. Clinical study]

Area of Science:

• Oral hygiene
• Pharmacology
• Dental therapeutics

Background:

• Chlorhexidine is an effective plaque-preventing agent but can cause side effects like discoloration at concentrations of 0.1% or higher.
• Pulsating devices offer an alternative delivery method for oral hygiene agents.
• Investigating reduced chlorhexidine concentrations in pulsating devices could mitigate side effects while retaining antiplaque properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the antiplaque efficacy of chlorhexidine mouthwash versus diluted chlorhexidine in a pulsating device.
• To assess side effects, specifically staining, associated with different chlorhexidine delivery methods.
• To determine the minimum effective concentration of chlorhexidine in a pulsating device for plaque prevention.

Main Methods:

• A 7-day no-brushing study involving 18 students with healthy gingivae.
• Three groups: chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.1%), chlorhexidine in a pulsating device (0.0025%), and placebo in a pulsating device.
• Measurements included gingival index, plaque index, and gingival fluid. A second part tested higher chlorhexidine concentrations (0.025%) in the pulsating device.

Main Results:

• Chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.1%) effectively inhibited plaque formation.
• The same amount of chlorhexidine diluted to 0.0025% in a pulsating device was significantly less effective.
• Staining was observed in most volunteers using the diluted chlorhexidine in the pulsating device.
• Chlorhexidine was effective in the pulsating device only at a higher concentration of 0.025%.

Conclusions:

• Standard chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.1%) is effective for plaque inhibition but associated with staining.
• Diluting chlorhexidine in pulsating devices significantly reduces its antiplaque efficacy.
• Higher concentrations (0.025%) are required for chlorhexidine to be effective in pulsating devices, though side effects like staining may still occur.