Comparison of commercially available 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash with and without anti-discoloration system: A blinded, crossover clinical trial

Abstract

Aim

To evaluate clinical performance and side effects of two commercially available 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes after periodontal surgery, one with (test) and one without (control) an anti‐discoloration system. Materials and methods

This single‐centre, crossover clinical trial included 38 patients undergoing two sessions of periodontal flap surgery. The participants used two different 0.2% chlorhexidine products, one with and one without an anti‐discoloration system, in the 14‐day post‐operative periods. Plaque, gingival inflammation, tooth staining, side effects and patient preference were evaluated. Results

The control mouthwash (without an anti‐discolouring system) produced significantly lower plaque (p = 0.02) and gingival index (p = 0.01) compared to the test mouthwash. The test mouthwash produced significantly less staining in the gingival (p = 0.002) and approximal areas (p = 0.0004), but no difference was detected in the buccal area of the teeth. The patients did not show preference for any of the mouthwashes. Conclusion

Chlorhexidine mouthwash without an anti‐discoloration system resulted in significantly lowered plaque and gingival index compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash with an anti‐discoloration following periodontal surgery. No difference in patient preference was found despite less side effects produced by the chlorhexidine mouthwash with the anti‐discoloration system.