The effect of two commercial antibacterial mouthrinses on plaque growth in vivo

An experimental study was designed to compare the claimed antibacterial effect of Betadine and Blend-a-med Fluid with the known plaque growth inhibiting effect of a 0.2% aqueous solution of chlorhexidine digluconate (Hibitane). Before the test perios for 5 days. During the following week they cleaned their teeth mechanically with toothbrush and toothpicks. For the third week the students were divided into three experimental groups. Following closely the manufacturers' recommendations, one group rinsed their mouths four times daily with 10 ml of Betadine, one group every 2 hours with a glassful of water containing 5-8 drops of Blend-a-med Fluid, and the control group twice daily with 10 ml of the 0.2% chlorhexidine solution. Mechanical cleaning of the teeth was not allowed during the experimental week. The Plaque Index scorings decreased significantly from the end of the no-hygiene to the end of the mechanical cleaning period. During the experimental period a further decrease of the mean P1I scores returned to the level recorded after the no-hygiene period. As neither Betadine nor Blend-a-med Fluid proved able to prevent plaque growth in vivo, there seems to be no indication for their use in treatment of gingivitis.