The effect of a chlorhexidine‐containing gel on oral cleanliness and gingival health in young adults

Abstract

Students at a vocational school participated in a double-blind, cross-over study to test the effect of brushing with a 1% chlorhexidine-containing gel once a day. In the control period, a placebo gel was used. Each treatment period lasted for 4 weeks. This was subsequently followed by 4 weeks of ordinary toothbrushing. Any toothbrushing additional to the therapeutic brushing was performed with a standard commercial dentifrice without abrasives. In addition to the treatment groups, containing a total of 24 subjects, another group of 12 subjects received standardized oral hygiene instruction. Oral hygiene and gingival condition were assessed in all groups throughout the study. The chlorhexidine-containing gel seemed to have no effect on gingivitis and only a slight inhibitory effect on plaque formation. Furthermore, an increase in the degree and frequency of staining of the tooth surfaces related to the use of active gel were observed.