In the present clinical trial, the effect on existing plaque and gingivitis of a new electric toothbrush (ET) was compared to that of a manual toothbrush (MT). 40 medical students, age 18-30 years, participated. Plaque index (PlI) and gingival index (GI) were recorded at 6 sites at all teeth. At baseline, a PlI and GI > 1 were required. The participants were at random allocated to a group using either ET or MT and were instructed only to use the assigned toothbrush, brushing each morning and evening for 2 min. No oral hygiene instruction was given. Re-examination was done after 1, 2 and 6 weeks. In the MT group, a minor decrease in mean PlI was found after 6 weeks (all sites: from 1.2 to 1.1, approximal sites: from 1.4 to 1.2). The corresponding figures in the ET group were: 1.2 to 0.6 and 1.4 to 0.8. After 6 weeks, the % of sites with visible plaque with MT was: 24% (all sites) and 30% (approximal sites) and with ET 8% and 9%, respectively. With MT, mean GI was unchanged after 6 weeks compared to baseline, whereas with ET, the changes were from 1.1 to 0.9 (all sites) and from 1.1 to 1.0 (approximal sites). The % of sites with GI score > or = 2 had not changed after 6 weeks with MT (all sites: 11%, approximal sites: 13%). With ET, these results were 3% and 4%, respectively.

This series of cases demonstrated a statistically significant reduction of pocket depths and gain of attachment and bone after 8 and 16 months with no difference between the 2 preparations.

– The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of 0.2 % chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse following gingivectomy on plaque under the dressing and on healing. Twenty‐eight patients with indications for gingivectomy were selected. Coe‐Pak® was used as surgical dressing. In addition to usual home care, the patients rinsed twice daily with chlorhexidine or placebo for 21 d after surgery. The study followed a cross‐over, double‐blind design. Gingival exudate was assessed and P1 I and G I were registered at 7, 14, and 21 d postsurgically. The study indicated that chlorhexidine did not influence the amount of plaque under the dressing, and it was uncertain whether chlorhexidine had any effect on the healing process when the surgical area was covered by Coe‐Pak. However, (1) after the surgical dressing was removed, the chlorhexidine maintained plaque scores at the same low level as under the dressing, (2) healing was promoted when chlorhexidine was used, and (3) the presence of a dressing in one side of the mouth did not prevent the patient from maintaining good oral hygiene.

The purpose of this dinical study was to evaluate the efFect of a 3-min daily toothbrushing with 1 % chiorhexidine gluconate toothpaste on dental plaque, gingivitis and gingival hyperplasia in 30 mentally retarded epileptic children treated with phenytoin. A double-blind cross-over technique was used. Brushing once daily for 2 months with 1% chiorhexidine gluconate toothpaste resulted in significantly lower Pi I and GI values. Gingival hyperplasia was not significantly reduced by tlie use of the chiorhexidine toothpaste.

This study showed that 0.15, 0.10, and 0.05% chlorhexidine gluconate solutions used on the toothbrush subsequent to scaling were for at least 45 days able to maintain plaque and gingivitis scores lower than those obtained 14 days after scaling and oral hygiene instruction. Discoloration of teeth and fillings were the only side effects observed.