Chlorhexidine and traumatic ulcers in orthodontic patients

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Abstract
Clinical experience suggests that oral ulceration and soft tissue abrasion commonly follows the placement of a fixed orthodontic appliance. This study, employing a patient diary card surveyed the incidence, duration and discomfort of traumatic ulcers in a group of 52 children in a 28 day period after commencing fixed orthodontic appliance treatment, and the effects of a 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash on these parameters was determined. Overall, more than three quarters of the children experienced oral ulceration. However, the incidence was lower (72%) in the group rinsing with chlorhexidine than rinsing with the placebo (91%). The mean duration of ulcers in the active group was significantly reduced by almost half, as was the mean total discomfort score. In the chlorhexidine group the number of ulcers and the maximum pain score were also reduced but not significantly. Antiseptic mouthrinses such as chlorhexidine may have a useful role in reducing discomfort arising from traumatic ulcers during the early period of fixed orthodontic therapy.

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