Interaction between chlorhexidine and fluoride in a mouthrinse solution-a 4-day and 6-week randomized clinical pilot...

Area of Science:

• Oral health
• Periodontology
• Cariology

Background:

• Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a potent antimicrobial agent used for periodontal health.
• Sodium fluoride (NaF) is crucial for caries prevention.
• The combined efficacy and safety of CHX and NaF in oral rinses require investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the clinical effect and fluoride retention of a mouthrinse containing both CHX and NaF.
• To compare the combined CHX + NaF mouthrinse with CHX-only, NaF-only, and placebo solutions.

Main Methods:

• Two double-blind, randomized, cross-over clinical trials were conducted.
• Study I: 16 subjects rinsed with four solutions (CHX+NaF, NaF, CHX, placebo) for 4 days without brushing.
• Study II: 16 subjects rinsed with the same solutions twice daily after brushing for 6 weeks. Plaque, gingivitis, microflora, and fluoride retention were analyzed.

Main Results:

• Both CHX+NaF and CHX mouthrinses demonstrated equivalent clinical effects on plaque formation and oral microflora.
• Fluoride retention was not significantly altered by the CHX+NaF mouthrinse compared to the NaF-only solution.

Conclusions:

• The combination of CHX and NaF in mouthrinse yields similar clinical outcomes to CHX alone.
• Oral fluoride retention is not impacted by the co-formulation of NaF and CHX.
• This combined mouthrinse may benefit patients at risk for caries and periodontal disease, warranting further long-term studies.