Journal of clinical periodontology
-
J. Clin. Periodontol. · Oct 1997
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA short-term clinical study design to investigate the chemical plaque inhibitory properties of mouthrinses when used as adjuncts to toothpastes: applied to chlorhexidine.
The removal of plaque by toothbrushing with toothpaste is the most common form of plaque control in the developed world. However, the use of chemical adjuncts such as mouthrinses is increasing. In practice mouthrinses and toothpaste are used together, however, in many clinical trials, employed to assess mouthrinse activity, toothpaste use is suspended. ⋯ The study suggests that, outside the Hawthorne effect, chlorhexidine rinses would be less effective in reducing plaque when used with toothpaste than when used alone. The methodology could be employed as a screening tool for the evaluation of mouthrinses expected to be used as adjuncts to normal oral hygiene methods. The same could be used to optimise oral hygiene regimens which include the use of mouthrinses.