Comparative efficacy of the standard flossing procedure and a new floss applicator in reducing interproximal bleeding: a short-term study.

This was a parallel stratified study which examined the effect on gingival health of a new floss holder and applicator, designed to deliver a 25 microliters dose of 0.1% chlorhexidine solution to each interdental embrasure during the flossing procedure. Fifty-two patients with simple chronic gingivitis were stratified according to age, sex, and baseline interdental bleeding score and then assigned to one of three treatment groups. One of the following interdental cleaning agents was used once daily during a 2-week period: conventional floss; a flossing device with chlorhexidine; or a flossing device with placebo solution. Gingival health was assessed using the interdental bleeding index (IBI); i.e., the ratio of bleeding sites to the number of sites tested by stimulation with an interdental cleaner. The percentage reduction in bleeding amounted to 38.3% for conventional floss, 51.5% for the flossing device with chlorhexidine, and 51.4% for the flossing device with placebo. The reductions in both flossing device groups were significantly greater than that of the conventional floss group as determined by one-way ANOVA (F = 4.0; P = 0.024) and multiple range tests. There were no statistically significant differences between the two flossing device groups. There was no difference in patients' perception of ease of use of their respective materials; however, 72% of chlorhexidine users and 94% of placebo users, but only 24% of conventional floss users, felt that their interdental cleaning regimens left their mouths feeling fresher. It is therefore postulated that the pleasant tasting spray may have been an important stimulus to extended use of the new device and may explain its greater effectiveness.     

The effect of two different dental gels and a mouthwash on plaque and gingival scores: a six-week clinical study

AIM: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of two gel formulations containing chlorhexidine gluconate and neem extract with a commercially available chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. METHOD: An open labelled randomised six-week clinical study with parallel group design in 48 subjects divided into four groups. Plaque accumulation and gingival condition were recorded using plaque index and gingival index. On the basis of mean baseline plaque and gingival scores, subjects were allocated to four different groups, using their assigned products twice a day, before bed and after breakfast. Plaque and gingival scores were recorded after three and six weeks. RESULTS: Mean plaque and gingival scores were reduced over the six-week trial period for experimental and control groups. Chlorhexidine gluconate gel reduced the plaque and gingival scores significantly more (p<0.05) than the chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. Neem extract gel also showed significant (p<0,05) reduction in plaque and gingival scores when compared with the control group. But there was no significant difference between the groups treated with chlorhexidine gel and neem extract gel. CONCLUSION: The results of this clinical study indicate that better therapeutic efficacy can be achieved using gels for treating oral infections than conventional treatments using mouthwash.     

The effect of a mouthrinse containing chlorhexidine and fluoride on plaque and gingival bleeding

Abstract The aim of this study was to test the effect of a rinse with 0.05% sodium fluoride and 0.05% chlorhexidine on plaque and gingival inflammation compared with a placebo without these agents. In a double-blind study, 47 adults with >20 teeth and a CPITN score >1 but <4 were randomised into test and control groups. After baseline assessments for plaque, bleeding and stain, teeth were professionally cleaned. Subjects were asked to rinse for 30 s with 10 ml of the respective test or placebo rinse after normal oral hygiene for 8 weeks. 39 subjects completed the study. There was no significant difference in the 2 groups at baseline with respect to cither plaque or bleeding scores. After scaling and 8 weeks use of the test rinse, there were significant reductions (p <0.001) in both plaque and bleeding. The control group showed no significant reduction in plaque scores after 8 weeks, but a significant (p <0.05) reduction in bleeding. However, this reduction was significantly greater (p <0.001) in the test group than in the control. The test group had a significantly greater (p <0.05) stain score than the control at baseline. After scaling and rinsing for 8 weeks, stain scores were lower for both groups compared to baseline but reached significance (p <0.05) only for the control group. It is concluded that, as an adjunct to normal oral hygiene, the chlorhexidine/fluoride rinse had a significant inhibitory effect on plaque and bleeding but its effect on staining is uncertain.     

Subgingival utilization of a 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel for the treatment of periodontal pockets. A clinical and microbiological study.

This study evaluates the effect of subgingival irrigation with a 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel in periodontal pockets as an adjunct procedure to scaling and root planing (SRP). Thirty-seven sites with probing depth (PD) of 5-7 mm and BANA positive in 6 patients with chronic periodontal disease were selected. Sites were assigned to different treatment groups consisting of SRP only (group 1), SRP + irrigation with collagen gel (group 2), or SRP + irrigation with collagen gel containing 1% chlorhexidine (group 3). Subgingival irrigation was performed after initial SRP and at 7, 14 and 21 days. Clinical measurements including PD, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), gingival recession (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were performed at the selected sites at baseline, 60 and 90 days and the BANA test was performed on plaque samples from the same sites at baseline and 90 days. There was an improvement in clinical parameters in all groups with a significantly greater decrease in GI and bleeding in the chlorhexidine group. There was a greater reduction of BANA positive sites in groups 2 and 3. The authors concluded that 1% chlorhexidine collagen gel is a promising adjunct to SRP in the treatment of adult periodontitis.     

A comparison of three delivery methods of chlorhexidine in handicapped children. I. Effects on plaque, gingivitis, and toothstaining

In handicapped groups, the maintenance of oral hygiene can be a major problem, and chemical plaque control offers many advantages. This study compared the effectiveness of chlorhexidine gluconate, delivered as a 0.2% mouthrinse, a 0.2% spray, and a 1% gel in trays, in controlling dental plaque and gingival bleeding in a group of 49 spastic children. All three delivery methods produced an improvement in plaque and gingival bleeding scores. However, the gel was significantly more effective than either the mouthwash or the spray. There was no significant difference between delivery methods in the amount of tooth staining.     

Clinical trial of a novel interdental brush cleaning system

OBJECTIVE: This single-blind, five parallel-arm, four-week randomized clinical trial was designed to compare the efficacy of a 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride gel-releasing interdental brush (IDB) with standard interproximal cleaning devices for plaque and gingivitis reduction, and decreased frequency in interproximal gingival bleeding. METHODOLOGY: After consenting, participants meeting inclusion criteria brushed their teeth, received a baseline examination and a professional cleaning, and were then block-randomized into five groups, with the plaque level serving as the blocking variable. All five groups performed standard tooth brushing as a background regimen. Three of the groups were respectively assigned to one of three interdental brush regimens, the fourth group was assigned to a standard flossing regimen (positive control), and the fifth group was assigned to a standard tooth brushing only regimen (control). Clinical outcome data were collected at two and four weeks. RESULTS: Of a total of 162 starting participants, 152 completed the study. There were no baseline differences among the five groups with respect to age, interproximal plaque score, interproximal gingivitis score, or percent of interproximal bleeding on probing. After two and four weeks, the 3 IDB groups exhibited 30-40 percent lower plaque levels than the control (p < 0.05). With respect to interproximal gingival scores, the active agent IDB group exhibited a statistically significant effect after two weeks, and all three IDB groups demonstrated significantly better outcomes after four weeks (p < 0.05). At two and four weeks, the three IDB groups demonstrated a greater reduction in interproximal bleeding points upon probing compared to the two control groups (p < 0.05). The group using the 0.05% cetylpyridinium gel-releasing IDB system did not demonstrate superior clinical results when compared to the two other IDB groups. CONCLUSION: When compared to control and positive control interdental cleaning procedures, daily use of IDBs was effective in reducing interproximal plaque and gingivitis scores, as well as interproximal bleeding on probing. The benefits were evident at two weeks, but were more consistent after four weeks. The 0.05% cetylpyridinium gel-releasing IDB system did not appear to confer a consistently independent incremental benefit.     

牙周炎患者龈下菌斑与口臭相关性的研究

目的　了解口臭与牙周炎患者龈下菌斑组成的关系。方法　用H2S测定仪Halimeter与专业医师鼻测两种方法对210例牙周炎患者进行口气测定,选取符合纳入标准的20例口臭患者作为实验组,另随机选取10例无口臭的牙周炎患者作为对照组。收集两组患者邻面间隙的颈缘菌斑和龈下菌斑行刚果红负性染色及厌氧培养,对培养出的主要细菌作分离及鉴定。所有实验结果采用SPSS 10.0进行统计学分析。结果　①两组患者的菌斑指数、牙龈出血指数、牙周袋深度无显著性差异。②两组患者邻面间隙的颈缘菌斑和龈下菌斑中螺旋体所占百分比均有显著性差异。③两组患者邻面间隙的颈缘菌斑及龈下菌斑中的细菌检出量均无显著性差异。④两组患者邻面间隙的颈缘菌斑及龈下菌斑中主要细菌的检出率均无显著差异;与口臭相关的细菌(牙龈卟啉单胞菌、韦荣菌和二氧化碳噬纤维菌)的构成比在邻面间隙的颈缘菌斑中为实验组显著高于对照组,而在龈下菌斑中两组无显著差异。结论　并非所有的牙周炎患者均有口臭;牙周炎患者邻面间隙的颈缘菌斑中细菌的构成比与口臭的关系更密切。     

Comparison between mechanical cleaning and an antimicrobial rinse for the treatment and prevention of interdental gingivitis

Abstract This study compared the efficacy of an antimicrobial mouthrinse (0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate) plus toothbrushing (mouthrinse group), mechanical interdental cleaning plus toothbrushing (mechanical group), and toothbrushing alone (control group), at reducing and preventing interdental gingival inflammation. 92 male subjects were examined for interdental inflammation using the Eastman interdental bleeding index at baseline, then monthly for 3 months after using one of the above oral hygiene regimens. The mechanical cleaning group had significant reductions in bleeding sites compared to baseline at 1 month (56.90% versus 13.17%) that persisted throughout the study (2 months = 6.65%, 3 months=5.70%). The other regimens showed no significant bleeding reduction at any time point in the study. The mechanical interdental cleaning group showed improvement over baseline at 1 month with the full benefit apparent after 2 months. The effect of location in the mouth on bleeding reduction was also assessed. The % of posterior sites which bled was always higher than anterior sites. Analysis of maxillary versus mandibular, and buccal versus lingual sites showed no significant differences. Additional observations of the data demonstrated that sites which bled at baseline were more likely to stop bleeding in the mechanical cleaning group. Also, sites which did not bleed at baseline were unlikely to bleed subsequently when mechanical cleaning was used. Neither of these observations were true for the other cleaning regimens. These data show that only mechanical interdental plaque removal combined with toothbrushing is effective at reducing or preventing interdental inflammation. This underscores the importance of instituting mechanical interdental cleaning to eliminate interdental inflammation.     

Scaling and root planing and chlorhexidine mouthrinses in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the clinical and microbiological effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) alone or in combination with 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) rinsing. METHODS: A blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-design, randomized clinical trial was conducted in 29 subjects with chronic periodontitis. Subjects were assigned to two therapeutic groups: control (SRP+placebo) and test (SRP+CHX during and up to 42 days post-therapy). Clinical and microbiological [N-benzoyl-dl-arginine-2-naphthylamide (BANA test)] examinations were performed at baseline, 42 and 63 days post-therapy. RESULTS: Initially, intermediate sites (4-6 mm) in the test group showed less plaque accumulation, gingival bleeding, bleeding on probing and a greater reduction in attachment level and probing depth (PD) at 63 days after treatment. The initially deep sites (>6 mm) in the CHX group also showed a better reduction in plaque accumulation and in PD compared with the control group. Both therapies led to a microbiological improvement; however, the test subjects showed a higher frequency of BANA-negative sites after treatment, which was sustained over time (p<0.001). At 63 days, the control group presented 25 BANA-negative sites and 65 positive sites, and the test group 58 and 26, respectively. CONCLUSION: The combination of CHX rinses and SRP leads to clinical benefits and to a better reduction in BANA-positive species.     

Short-term clinical effects of commercially available gel containing Acacia arabica: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background:  Certain plants used in folk medicine serve as a source of therapeutic agent by having antimicrobial and other multi-potential effects. This prospective, randomized, placebo and positively controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the short-term clinical effects of a commercially available gel containing Acacia arabica in the reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation in subjects with gingivitis.
Methods:  Ninety subjects diagnosed with chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided into three groups: Group I – placebo gel, Group II – gumtone gel and Group III – 1% chlorhexidine gel. Clinical evaluation was undertaken using the gingival index of Loe and Silness and the plaque index at baseline, 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 6 weeks. A subjective evaluation was undertaken by questionnaire.
Results:  Gumtone gel showed significant clinical improvement in gingival and plaque index scores as compared to a placebo gel. This improvement was comparable to 1% chlorhexidine gel. Unlike chlorhexidine gel, gumtone gel was not associated with any discolouration of teeth or unpleasant taste.
Conclusions:  Gumtone gel may be a useful herbal formulation for chemical plaque control agent and improvement in plaque and gingival status.     

The plaque and gingivitis reducing effect of a chlorhexidine and aluminium lactate containing dentifrice (Lacalut aktiv) over a period of 6 months

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the plaque and gingivitis reducing effect of a dentifrice containing chlorhexidine and aluminium lactate compared with a control toothpaste during the course of 6 months. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This randomized, double-blind study looked prospectively at participants over a 6-month period. Plaque, gingivitis, calculus formation and tooth staining were assessed in 59 participants, who were divided into parallel groups. The participants used either a chlorhexidine and aluminium lactate-containing toothpaste (test group) or a minus active control toothpaste (control group). Parameters were assessed at baseline and again after 1, 3 and 6 months. RESULTS: After 6 months of product use, both groups had less gingivitis compared with the baseline evaluation (p<0.001). At this time point, the test group showed a statistically significant lower gingival index values compared with the control group (p=0.001). No statistically significant differences between either the groups or time points were detected with regard to plaque index and the development of calculus and staining. CONCLUSION: Although there was a statistically significant difference at 6 months between test and control groups, this difference was too small to be considered clinically meaningful.     

A 30-day clinical comparison of a novel interdental cleaning device and dental floss in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis

OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and efficacy of a novel battery-operated interdental cleaning device (Oral-B Hummingbird) [ID], fitted with either a flossette or pick attachment, versus hand-held dental floss in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis when combined with manual tooth brushing over a 30-day period. METHODOLOGY: This randomized, examiner blind, parallel group study assessed three treatment groups: ID/flossette (ID/F), ID/pick (ID/P), and unwaxed manual dental floss. All groups used the same soft manual toothbrush and toothpaste. The 84 subjects were stratified to treatment groups based on initial whole mouth mean plaque scores, gingivitis scores, and gender. Subjects were instructed to brush twice daily and use their assigned interdental method once daily in the evening before brushing. Gingivitis, gingival bleeding, and plaque were evaluated at baseline and Day 30. RESULTS: A total of 78 subjects completed all aspects of the study and were included in the analyses. There was no significant difference between treatment groups in baseline plaque, gingivitis, and bleeding scores. After 30 days, statistically significant reductions from baseline gingivitis and bleeding scores were found for all groups (p < 0.0001), but there were no significant statistical differences among groups. Whole mouth and approximal plaque scores were significantly reduced from baseline in the manual floss and ID/F groups after 30 days of product use, with no significant difference between groups. Plaque reduction for both the manual floss and ID/F groups was significantly greater than the ID/P group. All interdental cleaning methods were safe as used in the study, with no evidence of oral hard or soft tissue trauma. CONCLUSION: The Oral-B Hummingbird was safe and effective in reducing approximal plaque and gingival inflammation, and provides a useful alternative device for interdental cleaning.     

Comparative antiplaque and antigingivitis effectiveness of a chlorhexidine and an essential oil mouthrinse: 6-month clinical trial

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to compare the antiplaque and antigingivitis effectiveness and the side-effect profiles of an essential oil-containing mouthrinse and a chlorhexidine-containing mouthrinse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and eight qualifying subjects, aged 20-57 years, were randomized into three groups: essential oil mouthrinse (ListerineAntiseptic); 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse (Peridex); or 5% hydroalcohol negative control. At baseline, subjects received a complete oral soft tissue examination and scoring of the Loe-Silness gingival index (GI), Quigley-Hein plaque index (PI), Volpe-Manhold calculus index (CI), and Lobene extrinsic tooth stain index (SI). Following a complete dental prophylaxis, subjects started rinsing twice daily with their respective mouthrinse as an adjunct to their usual mechanical oral hygiene procedures. One of the rinses on each weekday was supervised. Subjects were reexamined at 3 and 6 months. The treatment groups were compared with respect to baseline demographic and clinical variables. The primary efficacy variables were GI and PI. Intergroup differences for all clinical variables were tested at 3 and 6 months using appropriate statistical procedures. RESULTS: All of the 108 randomized subjects were evaluable at 3 months, and 107 subjects were evaluable at 6 months. There were no statistically significant differences among the three groups at baseline, with the exception that the control group PI was significantly lower than that of the essential oil group (p<0.05) and the chlorhexidine group (p<0.001), and the essential oil mouthrinse group had a significantly greater number of subjects than the control group with body region SI scores > or =1.0 (p=0.021). At 6 months, the essential oil and chlorhexidine mouthrinses produced statistically significant (p<0.001) GI reductions of 14.0% and 18.2%, respectively, and statistically significant (p<0.001) PI reductions of 18.8% and 21.6%, respectively, compared with the control and were not statistically significantly different from each other with respect to plaque and gingivitis reduction. The chlorhexidine mouthrinse group had significantly more calculus and extrinsic tooth stain than either the essential oil mouthrinse group or the control group. CONCLUSION: This 6-month controlled clinical study demonstrated that the essential oil mouthrinse and the chlorhexidine mouthrinse had comparable antiplaque and antigingivitis activity. Insofar as side effects associated with the chlorhexidine mouthrinse may limit patient compliance, it is suggested that each product can have a distinct role in the management of patients with periodontal diseases.     

西帕依固龈液治疗牙龈炎引起的牙龈出血的疗效观察

目的观察西帕依固龈液治疗因牙龈炎引起牙龈出血的效果,为临床治疗提供参考。方法选取2008年6月～2009年3月因刷牙出血来我科就诊的患者,诊断为牙龈炎者125例,男72例,女53例,年龄18～60岁。主要症状为牙龈炎症,探诊出血,牙周袋≤3mm,无附着丧失。将患者随机分成2组,实验组64例,使用西帕依固龈液含漱,对照组61例,使用口泰含漱液;使用方法均为每日3～5次,每次3～5ml,含漱1min,漱后均不再用清水漱口,漱口0.5h内勿饮水和进食;使用4周复查,记录龈沟出血指数情况。评定疗效。采用卡方检验进行统计学分析。结果实验组64例,有效56例,无效8例,有效率为87.5%;对照组61例,有效46例,无效15例,有效率为75.4%。组间有效率差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论西帕依固龈液对治疗因牙龈炎引起的牙龈出血有一定的疗效,具有较好的临床推广价值。     

Evaluation of various feedback mechanisms in relation to compliance by adult patients with oral home care instructions

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect on oral hygiene and gingival health of plaque scoring and the performance of a 'tooth brushing test" at each visit during initial periodontal treatment. A total of 63 adult periodontal patients (22-67 years of age) was allocated to 4 matched groups: Brushing test group (B), open scoring group (O), minimal feedback group (M) and control group (C). The oral hygiene instruction for groups B, O and M was provided by handing out a self-educational manual on oral home care, while the patients of control group (C) received a short brochure describing the Bass brushing technique and the use of toothpicks. Feedback on the improvement of oral hygiene performance was delivered to groups B and O by scoring of plaque and gingival bleeding by probing while this feedback was avoided in the 2 other groups (M, C). The patients of group B performed a tooth brushing test at each of 3 visits. After 3 months the plaque scores of groups B (27%) and O (22%) had improved more than those of the 2 other groups (35%). However, the improvement in gingival bleeding scores was similar in all 4 groups (from 55% initially to 17% at 3 months). At later examinations only minor differences in plaque and gingival bleeding scores were recorded between the various groups. The findings show that, irrespective of the mode of instruction, a considerable improvement occurs and that this improvement is not related to open scoring of plaque or the tooth brushing test.     

Chlorhexidine spray as an adjunct in the control of dental biofilm in children with special needs

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of .12% chlorhexidine applied via spray and the acceptance. A total of 26 individuals with mental health issues, aged 7–14, were included into two groups: placebo (control, n = 13) and chlorhexidine (experimental, n = 13). Both groups received two daily applications of spray during 2 months. The periodontal conditions were evaluated by the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI‐S) and gingival index (GI). The evaluation of acceptance of the application method (spray) was assessed by questionnaire. Data were analyzed with nonparametric tests, with a significance level of 5%. Regarding the OHI‐S index, only the experimental group showed significant change during the evaluations (p < 0.001). Regarding the GI, both groups showed significant changes during the evaluations. The method of application was well accepted by patients and caregivers, and .12% chlorhexidine solution applied via spray significantly reduced the rates of dental and gingival biofilm.     

The Bleeding on Brushing Index: a novel index in preventive dentistry

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the suitability of a dichotomous index, based on a special interdental brushing tool, to detect initial pathological processes in interproximal areas. Furthermore, different techniques of interdental hygiene were compared. Methods: Participants (n = 108) were instructed to clean their teeth using the Bass technique and were randomly assigned to three groups according to the type of interdental cleaning used: group A, use of interdental brushes; group B, no interdental hygiene (the control group); and group C, use of dental floss. Approximal Plaque Index (API), Plaque Index (PI), modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (mSBI) and the Bleeding on Brushing Index (BOB) were measured at baseline, and after 2 (t1) and 4 (t2) weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon test and the Mann–Whitney U-test. Results: One-hundred and six participants completed the study. The BOB decreased significantly in all groups (P < 0.001) with the most pronounced reduction being recorded for group A (baseline: 49.3 ± 23.0%; 4 weeks: 5.1 ± 6.9%). Also, the mSBI (P < 0.001) decreased significantly in all groups during the study. The API appeared to be less affected by the oral hygiene than other indices. The highest correlation was observed between BOB and mSBI (r = 0.785, P < 0.001). Conclusion: The BOB is a valuable complement for the existing array of indices in preventive dentistry, and is able to detect potential pathological processes in interproximal spaces. Additionally, this study suggests that interdental hygiene with individually selected brushes is superior to flossing. Clinical relevance: With the BOB, gingival inflammation can be demonstrated to patients, which could increase compliance.Key words: Dental hygiene, interproximal cleaning, interdental brushes, floss, index, preventive dentistry, bleeding on brushing     

生物活性玻璃凝胶治疗菌斑性牙龈炎的4周临床研究

目的 评价生物活性玻璃凝胶治疗菌斑性牙龈炎4周后的临床有效性和不良事件的发生情况。方法 采用多中心、随机、双盲的临床研究方法,将124名受试者随机分成试验组(生物活性玻璃凝胶)和安慰剂组(同公司生产的不含主要有效成分的凝胶)。受试者早晚刷牙后分别用4g试验凝胶处理全口牙龈并保持3min。在受试者入组当天、第(14±2)天及第(28±2)天时进行随访检查,评价其龈沟出血指数(SBI)、菌斑指数(PLI)及随访期间不良事件的发生率。结果 在治疗第(28±2)天后,实验组SBI、PLI较基线值均出现明显降低(P<0.001);随访期间实验组不良事件的发生率为9.68%,安慰剂组1.61%,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);且两组均无严重不良事件的报告。结论 生物活性玻璃凝胶可以缓解牙龈出血和抑制牙菌斑,可推荐用于治疗菌斑性牙龈炎症。     

Clinical effect of locally delivered gel containing green tea extract as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment

Green tea catechins had an in vitro antibacterial effect against periodontopathic bacteria and were able to inhibit destruction of the periodontal tissue. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of locally delivered gel containing green tea extract as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment. Forty-eight subjects who had teeth with probing pocket depth of 5–10 mm were randomly allocated into the test or control group. Probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level, gingival index (GI), bleeding on probing (BOP) and full mouth plaque score were measured at baseline. Subjects received oral hygiene instruction, single episode of scaling and root planing and subgingival application of the green tea gel (test group) or the placebo gel (control group). The gel was repeatedly applied at 1 and 2 weeks later. The parameters were recorded again at the 1st, 3rd and 6th month after the last gel application. The results showed that all parameters were improved in both groups compared to baseline. The test group exhibited significantly higher reduction in BOP at the 3rd month (p = 0.003) and significantly lower GI at the 1st month (p < 0.001) and 3rd month (p < 0.001) when compared with the control group. Thus, green tea gel could provide a superior benefit in reducing bleeding on probing and gingival inflammation when used as an adjunct to non-surgical periodontal treatment. (Trial Registration: MU-IRB 2008/153.0511, ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00918060).     

A chlorhexidine varnish implemented treatment strategy for chronic periodontitis: short-term clinical observations

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome of a subgingivally applied chlorhexidine varnish when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized controlled, single blind, parallel trial was conducted on the basis of 16 volunteers suffering from chronic periodontitis. The control group received oral hygiene instructions and was scaled and root planed in two sessions. The test group received the same instructions and treatment, however, all pockets were additionally disinfected using a chlorhexidine varnish. The gingival index, plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and subsequently after 1 and 3 months. RESULTS: Both treatment strategies showed significant reductions in PPD and CAL at both follow-up visits by comparison with baseline levels (p<0.001). Yet, at study termination, combination therapy resulted in additional pocket reductions between 0.73 and 1.23 mm (p<0.02), and clinical attachment gains between 0.63 and 1.09 mm (p<0.02). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a varnish-implemented strategy may improve the clinical outcome for the treatment of chronic periodontitis in comparison with SRP alone.