THE EFFECTIVENESS AND SIDE-EFFECTS OF 0.1 PERCENT AND 0.2-PERCENT CHLORHEXIDINE MOUTHRINSES - A CLINICAL-STUDY

Objective: The study compared two commercial chlorhexidine mouthrinses (Chlorhexamed 0.1% and Corsodyl 0.2%) for their effects on dental pla que and gingival inflammation, their side effects (eg, tooth staining and mucosal irritation), and patient acceptance. Method and materials: One hundred thirty healthy volunteers were randomly distributed into two groups of 65 each. Each volunteer had gingivitis or chronic margin al periodontitis and used the rinse two times a day for 4 weeks. The s ulcular bleeding index, approximal plaque index, gingival index, and a discoloration index were taken at baseline and once a week thereafter : The patients were questioned about taste disturbances, mucosal irrit ation, and their perception of the taste of the mouthrinse. Results: I n both groups, after 4 weeks, the mean sulcular bleeding index, approx imal plaque index, and gingival index scores had decreased significant ly. The discoloration index had increased significantly in both groups . There were two statistically significant differences between the two mouthrinses in any of these measurements. There were no significant d ifferences in side effects reported by the two groups. Conclusion: The increase in concentration of chlorhexidine provided no clinical advan tages or disadvantages.