Effects of Chlorine Dioxide Rinse in Adolescents With Orthodontia

Objectives: Objective: This pilot study examined the effects of once daily rinsing using a stabilized chlorine dioxide with fluoride mouthrinse on supragingival plaque and gingivitis among adolescents undergoing orthodontia.

Methods: Methods: A randomized, double-blind, two group, parallel design was used to compare the test rinse against a placebo. Subjects were randomly assigned to test rinse or placebo. All subjects had a prophylaxis prior to the study. Subjects were seen at baseline (time of bracket placement), 30, 60 and 90 days. Gingival Index (GI) and Orthodontic Plaque Index (OPI) scores were recorded for all permanent teeth. Subjects were instructed to brush twice daily for 2 minutes and to rinse with stabilized chlorine dioxide rinse or placebo for 30 seconds at bedtime. Compliance was measured by self-report with a diary and by weighing remaining products at each visit. ATSU IRB #2016-161.

Results: Results: Twenty-eight subjects, ages 12-17 years, completed the study. Given the limited size of the study, there were no statistically significant differences between the groups for age (t (26) = 0.998, p = 0.3, 95% CI -0.549 to 1.585) or gender (χ² = 1.448, df = 1, p = 0.229). From baseline to 90 days, changes in GI scores were not significantly different by group (χ² = 0.331, df = 1, p = 0.565) nor were changes in OPI scores for all sites in the mouth (χ² = 1.120, df = 1, p = 0.290). Males who rinsed with test rinse had reduced GI scores around anterior teeth by 0.13 and reduced OPI scores for all sites by 0.26 from baseline to 90 days.

Conclusions: Conclusion: Male subjects demonstrated reduced plaque throughout and gingivitis around anterior teeth while use of stabilized chlorine dioxide rinse was generally not superior to rinsing with placebo. Additional research is needed to statistically assess mouthrinse benefits in this population.