Comparison of Effects of Mouthwash Containing Chlorhexidine and Chlorine Dioxide on Salivary Bacteria-A Randomized Control Study

Aims: The present study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Chlorhexidine (CHX) and Chlorine dioxide (ClO2) mouthwashes in reducing the microbial load in saliva.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Periodontics, Government Dental College and Hospital, Afzalgunj, Hyderabad, between January and March 2020.

Methods and Materials: 60 Patients with gingivitis were included in the study. Ultrasonic scaling was done and saliva samples of the participants were collected and transferred onto blood agar plates. These plates were sent for the microbial count. Later they were given the mouthwash (Chlorhexidine or Chlorine dioxide or Distilled water by random selection) which they used for four weeks. Each group of participants was instructed to rinse

10 ml of 0.2% CHX for one minute twice per day. (Group A)

10 ml of ClO2 (Freshclor) for one minute twice per day. (Group B)

10 ml of Distilled water for one minute twice per day. (Group C)

After four weeks of usage of prescribed mouthwashes, the participants were recalled and salivary samples were again collected and sent for the microbial count.

Results: The intergroup comparison of CFU between the groups after four weeks showed significant reduction of CFU Groups A and B when compared to Group C. When compared to Group A (CHX), Group B (ClO2) witnessed statistically significant reduction of CFU in with a mean difference of 0.26±0.09 (p<0.001).

Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that ClO2 mouth rinse was effective in reducing microbial load after four weeks of usage than CHX.