Comparison of the effect of chlorhexidine and CuSO4 on plaque formation and development of gingivitis

Recent studies have shown that several metal ions inhibit plaque formation and reduce the acidogenicity of dental plaque. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect on plaque and gingivitis of 2.2 mM CuSO4 with an equimolar solution of chlorhexidine in a modified experimental gingivitis model. The study was performed according to a double-blind cross-over design. Before each experimental period the GI was recorded and the participants' teeth were scaled and polished to remove all supragingival deposits. All mechanical oral hygiene was suspended during the experimental periods. The mean PII after rinsing with chlorhexidine, CuSO4 and water was 0.29, 0.79 and 1.25, respectively. The corresponding GI values were 0.57, 0.83 and 1.02. All differences were statistically significant. The results showed that CuSO4 inhibits plaque formation and development of gingivitis, but not to the same degree as chlorhexidine.