EFFECT OF A SODIUM BENZOATE-SODIUM BICARBONATE COMPOUND ON DENTAL PLAQUE-FORMATION

THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS STUDY was to evaluate the effect of a sodium ben zoate-sodium bicarbonate (SBSB) compound on dental plaque formation an d developing gingivitis. Eighteen subjects were given a prophylaxis an d instruction in oral hygiene to establish plaque-free conditions and gingival health for the study baseline. They were randomly divided int o three groups. Each participant was instructed to rinse twice daily w ith either a 0.15% chlorhexidine digluconate solution, the SBSB compou nd, or a placebo solution for 21 days. They refrained from all other o ral hygiene procedures during this period. Plaque, gingival, and stain indices were scored at baseline and at days 7, 14, and 21 during the rinsing protocol. A significant increase in plaque accumulation was ob served for the SBSB compound and placebo groups in days 7 through 21. No increase in plaque accumulation was observed in the chlorhexidine g roup. An increase in gingival inflammation was observed in all groups, with no significant differences between groups. Significant increases in gingival bleeding occurrence compared to baseline were found in th e chlorhexidine group by day 21, in the SBSB compound group by day 7, and in the placebo group by day 14. The present study did not disclose any plaque or gingivitis inhibiting effects of the SBSB compound.