Efficacy of the chlorhexidine containing dentifrice on reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation

Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the plaque and gingivitis reducing effect of a dentifrice containing chlorhexidine and compare with control toothpaste during the course of 3 months. Materials and Methods: This randomized, double-blind study looked prospectively at participants over a 3 month period. Plaque score and gingivitis score was assessed in 40 participants, who were divided into two parallel groups. The participants used either chlorhexidine containing toothpaste (test group) or commercially available fluoridated triclosan containing toothpaste (control group). Parameters were assessed at baseline and again after 1and 3 months. Results: After 3 months of product use, both groups had less gingivitis compared with the baseline evaluation (p=0.001). At this time point, the test group showed a statistically significant lower gingival index values compared with the baseline (p=0.001). No statistically significant difference between either of the groups at various time points was detected with regard to plaque index score. Conclusion: Although there was a statistically significant difference at 3 months between test and control groups in reduction of gingival index values, this difference was too small to be considered clinically meaningful.