The effect of a chlorhexidine‐containing gel on oral cleanliness and gingival health in young adults

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Abstract
Students at a vocational school participated in a double‐blind, cross‐over study to test the effect of brushing with a 1% chlorhexidine‐containing gel once a Jay. In the control period, a placebo gel was used. Each treatment period lasted for 4 weeks. This was subsequently fallowed by 4 weeks of ordinary toothbrushing. Any toothbrushing additional to the therapeutic brushing was performed with a standard commercial dentifrice without abrasives. In addition to the treatment groups, containing a total of 24 subjects, another group of 12 subjects received standardized oral hygiene instruction. Oral hygiene and gingival condition were assessed in all groups throughout the study. The chlorhexidine‐containing gel seemed to have no effect on gingivitis and only a slight inhibitory effect on plaque formation. Furthermore, an increase in the degree and frequency of staining of the tooth surfaces related to the use of active gel were observed.