Efficacy of a 2% Chlorhexidine-Impregnated Dental Floss in Adults With Gingivitis: A Randomised Clinical Trial

This study aimed to assess the antigingivitis and antiplaque efficacy of a 2% chlorhexidine (CHX)-impregnated dental floss in adults with gingivitis.

This randomised clinical study included 42 patients diagnosed with gingivitis. They were randomly allocated into three groups: no interdental cleaning (NIC) group, which did not use any interdental cleaning device; dental floss (DF) group, individuals who used unwaxed dental floss without impregnation; and dental floss+CHX (DF + CHX) group, those who used the same dental floss, but with 2% CHX digluconate impregnation. A manual toothbrush and fluoride dentifrice were provided for all groups. Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) and Quigley-Hein modified by Turesky plaque index (PI) were assessed by the same trained and calibrated examiner. Individuals were evaluated after 4- and 6-week. Taste preference was also evaluated at 6-week of follow-up. Groups were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis test using α < 5%.

Thirty-eight patients completed the study. To both outcomes, no statistically significant differences among groups were observed regardless of the follow-up (p > 0.05). However, within groups showed that all groups presented a significantly reduction of GBI and PI (p < 0.05). Regarding taste preference, no significant differences among groups were detected (p > 0.05).

The use of dental floss impregnated with 2% chlorhexidine did not present additional antigingivitis and antiplaque efficacy over 6 weeks of follow-up.