The latest ADA-EBD critical summary looks at a 2012 systematic review by Van Strydonck et al which looked at the effectiveness of Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthrinse against plaque growth, gingival inflammation as well as the degree of staining. We have blogged about this review earlier (Dental Elf – 21st Sept 2012)
As this new appraisal highlights, while the review shows that there is evidence for both anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis effects of a CHX mouthrinses . The studies included show considerable heterogeneity and the authors rated just under a third of the included studies ( 9 out of 30) as having a low risk of bias. While the majority of studies used a CHX concentration of 0.12% the included studies used concentrations ranging from 0.05-0.2% so this is still some uncertainty regarding the most effective regimen.
Another recent review has looked at brushing with chlorhexidine-containing dentifrice for the control of plaque and gingivitis (Dental Elf – 2nd Sept 2013) although the evidence was not conclusive.
Links
ADA-EBD Critical Summary – Chlorhexidine reduces plaque and inflammation but causes staining.
Van Strydonck DA, Slot DE, Van der Velden U, Van der Weijden F. Effect of a chlorhexidine mouthrinse on plaque, gingival inflammation and staining in gingivitis patients: a systematic review. J Clin Periodontol. 2012 Nov;39(11):1042-55. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-051X.2012.01883.x. Epub 2012 Sep 7. Review. PubMed PMID: 22957711.
