Amine fluoride/stannous fluoride and chlorhexidine mouthwashes as adjunctsto surgical periodontal therapy: A comparative study

Background: Postsurgical mouthwashes are routinely used in clinical studies and also in daily clinical practice. Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) has lon g been the gold standard for supragingival chemical plaque control regimens . Amine fluoride/stannous fluoride (AmF/SnF2) formulations have also been e xtensively studied and shown to have an antibacterial effect and be useful as antiplaque agents. The antibacterial effect of AmF/SnF2 and its minimal extrinsic tooth staining make it a possible alternative to CHX as an adjunc t to periodontal surgical therapy. The aim of this double-blind, controlled clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the combined effect of an AmF/S nF2 or a CHX mouthwash and surgical periodontal therapy on periodontal para meters. Methods: Thirty-two patients with at least 3 pockets greater than or equal to5 mm in the same quadrant were selected for this study, following a hygie nic phase of therapy. They were randomized into 2 treatment groups: surgica l flap debridement and a postsurgical CHX mouthwash or surgical flap debrid ement and an AmF/SnF2 postsurgical mouthwash, performed twice daily for 3 w eeks. Clinical measurements were taken at baseline and 3 and 12 weeks posts urgery. Results: Both treatment modalities resulted in significant improvements in probing depth and clinical attachment level. There was no significant diffe rence between groups in any of the recorded parameters. Staining index at w eek 3 in the CHX group was significantly higher than in the AmF/SnF2 group (P < 0.05). However these differences leveled down at 12 weeks. Conclusions: Our results support the alternative use of an AmF/SnF2 mouthwa sh in plaque control management of patients following flap debridement surg ery.