The effect of chlorhexidine mouthrinse on healing after gingivectomy

Abstract

– 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.

Patient self‐care of periodontal pocket infections

“…For example, when used as a chemical toothbrush after oral/periodontal surgery or implant placement, when mechanical cleaning of the wound is not indicated, healing was even promoted when chlorhexidine was used. Signs of inflammation decreased and a reduction in microbial contamination of the wound compared with the control was shown . Sanchez et al.…”

Antibacterial effect of taurolidine (2%) on established dental plaque biofilm

“…In contrast to that, the clinical use of CHX after oral surgical interventions, tooth extractions or implant placement showed significantly less signs of inflammation and improvement of gingival health by reduction of the microbial contamination of the wound [19][20][21]. A further disadvantage is given by the inactivation of CHX by binding on blood, serum proteins and sulcus fluid which was shown in in vitro studies [22,23].…”

Effects of post‐surgical cleansing protocols on early plaque control in periodontal and/or periimplant wound healing

“…Also, the start of mechanical and chemical plaque control on day 3 after the surgical intervention was considered early enough to interfere with the maturation of existing biofilms (Lang et al 1973). Earlier studies on the application of CHX containing dressings (Asboe‐Jørgensen et al 1974, Hamp et al 1975, Plüss et al 1975, Langebaek & Bay 1976) or rinses with CHX during a post‐surgical healing period of 2 months (Westfelt et al 1983a) have demonstrated the beneficial effects of CHX in a post‐surgical care protocol. Also, control of patient oral hygiene as measured by FMPSs and FMBSs were shown by Tonetti et al (1996) to have a significant effect on success and complication rates of periodontal regenerative surgery.…”

“…For all oral rinsing products with anti‐microbial and anti‐plaque properties, CHX has long been considered as the gold standard (Lang & Brecx 1986, Jones 1997). Hence, its application following periodontal surgical procedures should promote the healing process, reduce post‐surgical complications, as well as improve clinical parameters (Asboe‐Jørgensen et al 1974, Hamp et al 1975, Plüss et al 1975, Langebaek & Bay 1976, Westfelt et al 1983a).…”