Effect of Chitosan Rinsing on Reduction of Dental Plaque Formation

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether the use of a chitosan mouthrinse could be efficacious in reducing plaque and saliva mutans streptococci level. A randomized crossover clinical trial was performed to evaluate the effect of a rinse with 0.5% chitosan for 14 days on plaque formation and mutans streptococci counts in saliva. Twenty-four subjects were randomly assigned either the chitosan rinse or a placebo rinse in addition to their usual oral hygiene procedures. Following the baseline examination, each subject was given a prophylaxis. They were instructed to rinse with 20 ml of the mouthrinse twice daily for 30 seconds. Plaque scores were measured after a 14-day rinsing period, and mutans streptococci counts in saliva were also determined at the start and the end of the each rinsing period. The procedures were repeated with the alternate rinse after a 14-day washout period. Rinsing with 0.5% chitosan was significantly more effective in plaque reduction using the Quigley & Hein Index (chitosan: 1.44, placebo: 1.62, pϽ0.001) and Plaque Severity Index (chitosan: 0.138, placebo: 0.186, p‫.)300.0ס‬ The mutans streptococci count in saliva was less after the chitosan rinsing ( 2 cal ‫,15.31ס‬ p‫)530.0ס‬ than placebo rinsing. In conclusion, the chitosan rinsing was effective in reducing plaque formation and counts of salivary mutans streptococci after a 14-day rinsing period. These results would appear to warrant further investigation into the potential value of chitosan as an effective anti-plaque agent for use in oral hygiene products.

Comparative Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of Chlorhexidine, Phenolic and Chitosan Mouthrinses on Plaque and Gingivitis: Single-Centre, Double Blind, Randomized Controlled Clinical Study

“…It is a widely distributed polycationic biopolymer, acts by interacting with the negatively charged bacterial cell membranes which leads to the leakage of proteinaceous and other intracellular constituents and alteration of cell permeability. At the present, no serious side effects of chitosan applications have been reported [26].…”

“…In addition to its favorable properties, such as nontoxicity, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, CH has an extended retention time on the oral mucosa [25]. Moreover; CH itself has an antimicrobial activity [26].…”

Biodegradable polymers for dental tissue engineering and regeneration

“…Sano et al demonstrated the effect of increased hydrophobicity of salivary pellicles after CS adsorption and the obtained reduced adhesion of Streptococcus sobrinus to saliva coated HA disks [411]. They also found that low molecular weight CS inhibits the initial adhesion of oral bacteria to human tooth surfaces at a level comparable to that of a 50 ppm chlorhexidine solution [412]. Similar results were found by Busscher et al that evaluated the effects of a CS on bacterial adhesion and growth on CS treated pellicles founding a reduction in bacterial adhesion and bacterial death upon contact [413].…”

Biomedical Biopolymers, their Origin and Evolution in Biomedical Sciences: A Systematic Review

“…Chitosan is excellent in biocompatibility; high bioactivity; biodegradability; selective permeability; polyelectrolyte action; antimicrobial activity; ability to form gel and film; chelation ability and absorptive capacity [17]. These peculiar properties provide a variety of applications to Chitosan, such as: drug carrier for controlled release [18], antibacterial [19,20] and anti-acid [21]; inhibits the bacterial plaque formation and decalcification of dental enamel [22,23], promotes Osteogenesis [24], fat absorbent action and promotes the healing of ulcers and lesions [25,26].…”