Effects of subgingival chlorhexidine irrigation of periodontal inflammation

The purposes of this study were to investigate the effect of direct application of chlorhexidine to periodontal pockets and the practicability of patient self-therapy using a technique of subgingival irrigation. Patients received no other oral hygiene instruction. After initial assessment of parameters, patients were given scaling and polishing and then instruction in the irrigation of designated pockets with chlorhexidine or a placebo using a disposable syringe and blunt needle. During the 28-day irrigation period with chlorhexidine there was highly significant reduction in periodontal inflammation which was maintained at levels significantly below the baseline values for a further 28-day period without irrigation. There was a deterioration in the periodontal state of those patients who had used the placebo, The irrigation technique itself caused no discernible injury in this group of routine periodontal patients. Also, staining in the chlorhexidine group was minimal. It is concluded that subgingival irrigation with chlorhexidine is effective in reducing periodontal inflammation and in controlling subgingival plaque. Intermittent treatment of this kind by the patient at home might reduce to more manageable levels the frequency of hygiene visits and the need for rigorous interdental oral hygiene.