The effect of a dexibuprofen mouth rinse on experimental gingivitis in humans

Objectives: The pharmacodynamic properties of ibuprofen are related nearly exclusively to the S(+)enantiomer (dexibuprofen). This study investigated the effect of a 1.5% dexibuprofen mouth rinse in an experimentally induced gingivitis. Materials and Methods: The trial was a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled, two‐period and two‐sequence parallel group cross‐over study in 24 healthy volunteers aged 21–30 years (16 males, eight females). Customized guards were worn during tooth brushing to prevent any plaque removal from the experimental area (first and second pre‐molars and molars in one upper quadrant). After 22 days of plaque accumulation, the mouth rinses (1.5% dexibuprofen and placebo) were administered under supervision three times daily (rinsing for 1 min. with 15 ml) for 8 days. The wash‐out time between the two study periods was 14 days. Parameters evaluated at days 0, 7, 14, 22, and 30 were the Löe & Silness gingival index (GI) and the Quigley & Hein plaque index (QHI). Data were tested for treatment, period, and carry‐over effects (parametric cross‐over analysis). Results: There was no statistically significant difference (p=0.240) in GI between placebo and dexibuprofen. However, the decrease in QHI was significantly greater (p=0.019) with dexibuprofen as compared with the placebo. Conclusion: In the present study, a 1.5% dexibuprofen mouth rinse had no effect on gingivitis whereas an anti‐plaque effect was demonstrated.