Plaque Inhibitory Effect of a 0.05% Cetyl-Pyridinium Chloride Mouth-rinse

Objective: To determine the plaque inhibitory effect of a 0.05% Cetyl-pyridinium Chloride (CPC) mouth-rinse using a de novo plaque formation model. Methods: Fifteen dental students were selected to participate in a double-blind, randomized, four-day cross-over experimental model, without mechanical oral hygiene. Three products were compared: a negative control (placebo without active ingredients), a positive control (0.12% Chlorhexidine-CHX and 0.05% CPC) and a test product (0.05% CPC). At baseline of each of the 3 experimental periods the Modified Gingival Index (MGI) was evaluated and microbiological samples were taken. Then each patient received a prophylaxis and the assigned product was given with proper instructions. At the day four of each period, MGI and Modified Plaque Index (MPI) were recorded, microbiological samples and photographs were taken and secondary effects were evaluated. One week was used as wash-out period between the experiments. Obtained data was analysed using ANOVA, Multiple Range Test, Friedman and Dunn Tests. Results: MPI was significantly different among groups (p=0.0003). Differences were detected between the positive control (2.86, confidence interval-CI: 2.53-3.19) and the negative control (3.87, IC: 3.29-3.95), between the positive control and the test product (3.62, IC: 3.54-4.19) and also between the test product and the negative control. The test product had a 25% plaque inhibitory effect compared with CPC plus CHX. We did not detect any side-effects in any of the groups in this experimental model. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this study model, the present study demonstrated that a 0.05% CPC mouth-rinse has a significant plaque inhibiting effect. Supported by Dentaid.