Dentifrices with 0.50% concentration of chlorhexidine can help control gingivitis and bleeding in orthodontic patients as well as 0.75% concentrations, according to a study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (November 2009, Vol. 136: 5, pp. 651-656).
Researchers from the University of São Paolo and private practice in São Paolo divided volunteers with fixed orthodontic appliances into three groups of 27 each. The control group used a toothpaste with 1,100 ppm of sodium fluoride, while the two experimental groups used either a 0.50% or a 0.75% concentration of chlorhexidine.
At baseline, and after 6 and 12 weeks, the researchers measured staining, calculus, gingivitis, bleeding, and dental plaque changes over time. There were some statistically significant differences in bleeding and plaque from one group to the other.
During the experimental periods, gingivitis and bleeding scores improved in all three groups, but both experimental groups experienced more improvement than the control group. Only the 0.75% chlorhexidine dentifrice significantly increased the stain index, but most patients did not notice the stains.
They concluded that orthodontic patients could use the lower concentration of chlorhexidine and get the full benefits with reduced risk of staining.
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