A 6-month clinical controlled study of low-dose chlorhexidine solutions

Objectives: Due to side effects of 0.2% chlorhexidine solutions, longterm usage should be performed with low-dose solutions. Methods: A total of 39 subjects were recruited for this double-blind randomised study with parallel group design to examine the efficacy of an 0.03% chlorhexidine solution (Vademecum, Henkel, Germany) in comparison to an 0.06% chlorhexidine solution (Corsodyl Zahnfleisch-Fluid, GSK, Germany) and placebo as an addition to normal oral hygiene. Subjects had already moderate levels of plaque and gingivitis. After a prophylaxis, the volunteers were randomly distributed (but stratified considering sex) to three groups (à 13 subjects each). Assessments of efficacy were performed using the gingival index (GI), plaque area (PA) and plaque biofilm vitality (BV%) recorded at baseline, after 1, 3 and 6 months. Results: The 0.06% CHX showed 55% (after 1 month), 59% (after 3 months) and 66% (after 6 months) lower gingival scores compared to baseline, the 0.03% CHX reduced the gingival index by 42%, 66% and 71%, which were all significant (p<0.001). However, the placebo reduced the scores by 36%, 46% and 57%, which was significant, as well (p<0.05). PA was reduced with the 0.06% CHX by 27-52%, while the 0.03% CHX showed only reductions by 11-20%. The placebo solution had no effect on PA during the 6 months. Concerning BV%, both active solutions showed similar reductions between 15 and 35% during the 6 months. The placebo solution showed reductions between 5 and 10%, which were not significant. Conclusion: The use of both low-dose chlorhexidine products resulted in less plaque formation and gingivitis than rinsing with placebo.