No abstract

Rice rats were used to test the effect of topically applied chlorhexidine gluconate and stannous fluoride on the loss of periodontal bone. Eighty‐eight weanlings were divided into eight groups of eleven animals each. Four groups were swabbed five times each week with either: a) 0.2 % chlorhexidine; b) 2 % chlorhexidine; c) 0.2 % chlorhexidine and 10 % stannous fluoride combined, or d) deionized water. Four other groups were swabbed only twice (once at the start and once at day 30) with either: e) 0.2 % chlorhexidine; f) 10 % SnF2; g) 0.2 % chlorhexidine and 10 % SnF2, or h) deionized water. After two months the animals were killed and the mandibular quadrants scored to estimate bone loss. Concentrations of 0.2 and 2 % chlorhexidine applied five times per week and 10 % SnF2 applied only twice, significantly reduced bone loss when compared to the deionized water control. The more frequent applications had a significant beneficial effect as compared to the less frequent applications.