Comparison of Chlorhexidine Delivery by Mouthwash and Spray on Plaque Accumulation

Abstract

The delivery of chlorhexidine by spray systems have been found useful in controlling plaque in handicapped individuals. This study using a single blind crossover design compared chlorhexidine delivery by mouthwash and spray for plaque inhibitory effects. A group of 14 volunteers participated in two 4 day, no oral hygiene regimens. During one regimen chlorhexidine was professionally sprayed onto the teeth twice a day and during the other chlorhexidine was rinsed twice a day under supervision. Plaque regrowth from a zero baseline was recorded using a plaque index and by area. Little plaque accumulated during the two periods. There was no significant difference in plaque measurements following the use of the spray or mouthwash. This study demonstrated that chlorhexidine when sprayed under optimal conditions was as effective as a mouthwash at controlling plaque despite only requiring one seventh of a dose from a rinse. The results have implications for the use and delivery of chlorhexidine for plaque control and are relevant to the proposed mode of action of this antiseptic.

Efficacy of different brands of mouth rinses on oral bacterial load count in healthy adults

“…In addition, clinical efficacy of CPC in reducing or eliminating plaque accumulation is well documented (Kalaga et al, 1989;Addy, 1988;Jenkins et al, 1988;Grenby and Saldahna, 1984). The mean microbial counts reduction in the colqate (male 0.07%, female 0.06%) and Listerine (male 0.10%, female 0.14%) groups are not statistically significant.…”

“…For most individuals the wash is a simple and acceptable method for the delivery of topical medicaments into the oral cavity. Rinsing with a chlorhexidine mouthwash is arguably the most effective chemical method to date of controlling plaque accumulation (Kalaga et al, 1989) Based on the original study (Addy, 1988) the most common regimen of use has been twice daily rinsing with 10ml of a 0.2% chlorhexidine solution (Kalaga et al, 1989;Addy, 1988;Jenkins et al, 1988). However, with the availability of more commercial mouthwashes (Babich and Babich, 1996;Leenstra, 1996) similar antiplaque effects have been reported (Heald et al, 1996;Goodson, 1996) with twice daily rinsing with 15ml or 10ml of the solution according to manufacturer's direction of use.…”

“…However, with the availability of more commercial mouthwashes (Babich and Babich, 1996;Leenstra, 1996) similar antiplaque effects have been reported (Heald et al, 1996;Goodson, 1996) with twice daily rinsing with 15ml or 10ml of the solution according to manufacturer's direction of use. Whereas previous studies (Kornman, 1986;Kalaga et al, 1989;Jenkins et al, 1988) have shown the ability of mouthwashes on plaque accumulation, plaque composition, either biochemical or microbiological, the possible effect of a mouthwash on bacterial load count in the mouth has received little or no attention in human studies in this environment. Based on this scanty information, the present study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of some commercially available mouthwashes (Macleans, Colgate plax and Listerine) on oral bacterial load count in healthy individuals.…”

Duration of action of a single, early oral application of chlorhexidine on oral microbial flora in mechanically ventilated patients: a pilot study

“…38,42,64,65,67,68 Although this population is similar to the critically ill in their dependence on care providers for oral hygiene interventions, their normal oral flora is not similar to the gram-negative bacteria and potential respiratory pathogens that are found in the critically ill. Therefore, our findings may reflect the unique oral microbial environment in the critically ill population.…”

Inhibition of Plaque Formation and Gingivitis in Beagle Dogs by Topical Use of a Degradable Controlled-release System Containing Chlorhexidine

“…The tendency of chlorhexidine to be adsorbed onto the oral mucosa leads to several disadvantages, i.e., staining of teeth and tongue, unpleasant taste, and almost total depression of salivary microflora. Therefore, several authors have attempted to apply chlorhexidine topically (Davies et al, 1970;Flotra, 1973;Usher, 1975;Addy and Moran, 1983;Kalaga et al, 1989). Results ofthese studies suggest that plaque inhibition appears to be derived primarily from the chlorhexidine which adsorbs to the teeth, a theory strongly supported by Jenkins et al (1988).…”