Efficacy of Three Oral Hygiene Regimens: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects of three oral hygiene regimens: 1) toothbrushing with standard fluoride toothpaste and a mouthwash containing cetylpyridinium chloride, zinc lactate and fluoride (CPC+Zn+F); 2) toothbrushing with standard fluoride toothpaste and a mouthwash containing essential oils in an alcohol-free base (EO); and 3) toothbrushing with standard fluoride toothpaste (CONTROL).
Methods: One hundred and twenty subjects were randomly assigned to study groups and used the assigned regimens twice a day for 6 weeks. All volunteers were examined by a calibrated examiner for the the Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (Turesky modification) and Löe-Silness Gingival Index (GI) at baseline, weeks 4 and 6. Statistical analyses were performed separately for plaque and gingival indices, by ANOVA, paired t-test and ANCOVA (α<0.05).
Results: After 4 and 6 weeks, all regimens presented statistically significant reductions in plaque and gingival parameters as compared to baseline. After 4 weeks, the CPC+Zn+F group presented additional reductions in dental plaque of 21.4% (p<0.001) and 31.4% (p<0.001), as compared to the EO and CONTROL, respectively. After 6 weeks, these values were 26.7% (p<0.001) and 44.8% (p<0.001). For GI, the additional reductions in the CPC+Zn+F as compared to EO were 10.6% (p<0.001) and 13.7% (p<0.001), at 4 and 6 weeks, respectively. In comparison to CONTROL, these reductions were of 13.6% (p<0.001) and 17.8% (p<0.001).
Conclusions: It is concluded that the regimen containing a mouthwash containing CPC+Zn+F presents significantly higher anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effect as compared to EO and CONTROL.