Mechanical and chemical plaque control in the simultaneous management of gingivitis and caries: a systematic review

To report the evidence on the effect of mechanical and/or chemical plaque control in the simultaneous management of gingivitis and caries.

A protocol was designed to identify randomized (RCTs) and controlled (CCTs) clinical trials, cohort studies and prospective case series (PCS), with at least 6 months of follow-up, reporting on plaque, gingivitis and caries. Relevant information was extracted from full papers, including quality and risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed whenever possible.

After the screening of 1,373 titles, 15 RCTs, 10 CCTs and 2 PCS were included. Low to moderate evidence support that combined professional and self-performed mechanical plaque control significantly reduces standardized plaque index [n = 4; weighted mean difference (WMD) = 1.294; 95% CI (0.445; 2.144); p = 0.003] and gingivitis scores [n = 4; WMD = 1.728; 95% CI (0.631; 2.825); p = 0.002]. The addition of fluoride to mechanical plaque control is relevant for caries management [n = 5; WMD = 1.159; 95% CI (0.145; 2.172); p = 0.025] while chlorhexidine rinses are relevant for gingivitis.

Mechanical plaque control procedures are effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis. The addition of fluoride to mechanical plaque control is significant for caries management. Chlorhexidine rinse has a positive effect on gingivitis and inconclusive role in caries.