A Comparison of a Chlorhexidine Dentfrice with a Conventional Dentfrice: A 16-Day Clinical Trial

Purpose: A test dentifrice with chlorhexidine digluconate compared with the control dentifrice and their anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects were examined. Material and Methods: 20 volunteer periodontally and systemically healthy dental students were included. Plaque index, gingival index, and tooth staining index were measured at baseline and 16 days. Volunteers brushed 1. and 3. quadrants with the test paste and 2. and 4. segments with the control paste using Modified Bass technique for 16 days. Results: There was significantly more plaque accumulation in the control group demonstrating CHX to be more efficient to prevent plaque accumulation (p 0.05). Gingival index scores were reduced in the test toothpaste (p 0.05), however there was an increase in the control toothpaste group at 16 day compared to baseline. Test paste caused an increased amount of staining (p 0.05). Conclusion: Chlorhexidine containing toothpaste is more efficient to prevent plaque accumulation and gingivitis compared to a standard toothpaste. Staining is evident.