Efficacy of two different concentrations of chlorhexidine mouth-rinse on plaque re-growth

Abstract Background Numerous locally active antimicrobial substances are intended to prevent or reduce the formation of dental plaque. Chlorhexidine digluconate has been proved to be the most effective anti-plaque agent so far by various investigators, either combined with other ingredients or as a positive control. Materials and Method A total of 30 dental interns, whose plaque scores were brought to zero, were evaluated for plaque re-growth. They were instructed to rinse twice daily with commercially available 0.2% and/or 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate mouthwash for 4 days and to refrain from all other mechanical oral hygiene measures. Results Both preparations of chlorhexidine were found to be almost equally effective for their plaque inhibiting capacity. No statistically significant difference was observed for both preparations. Conclusion From the present clinical trial, it was observed that both the preparations of chlorhexidine digluconate mouth rinse were almost similar in their efficacy in terms of their plaque inhibiting capacity.