Efficacy of a 0.5% chlorhexidine gel on the control of gingivitis in Brazilian mentally handicapped patients

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of a 0.5% chlorhexidine gel on the reduction of interdental gingival bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty-three mentally handicapped subjects, living in an institution (Casas André Luiz, Brazil), were enrolled in a double-blind randomised clinical trial. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: test (chlorhexidine gel) and control (placebo gel). The gel was applied with trays, twice a day, over a period of 8 weeks. The interdental bleeding index (IBI) was recorded before and after the period in which the gel was used. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that baseline IBI scores were similar (p=0.82) for test and control groups (55.6% and 54.5%, respectively). After 8 weeks, a statistically significant (p<0.001) decrease in IBI means took place in the test group (33.2%). The control group presented a small increase (60.6%) in IBI scores. The difference between groups was significant at the end of the study (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: The results indicated that the use of a 0.5% chlorhexidine gel was effective in reducing interdental gingival bleeding in special patients.