Effect of chlorhexidine mouthrinse and periodontal treatment upon bacteremia produced by oral hygiene procedures

ABSTRACT – Toothbrushing for 2¹/₂ min and the use of toothpicks for 2¹/2 min produced bacteremia with streptococci in seven out of 13 patirnts with destructive periodontitis and in dontitis group and the "gingivitis" group was not significant, but there scemed to be more frequent bacteremia in the periodontal group. No correlation could be established between plaque-index, gingival-index and positive bacteremia. Barteremia seemed to be due primarily to pockets and interdental ulcerations. The use of chlorhexidine as a mouthriuse for 7 d did not reduce the bacteremia caused by the oral hygiene procedures in either of the two groups. After periodontal treatment no bacteremia was detected in the periodontitis group, whereas no reduction was obtained in the gingivitis group.