Clinical evaluation of professional plaque control with prophylactic paste and 1 % chlorhexidine

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare the novo plaque formation and the amount of secreted gingival crevicular fluid after professional supragengival plaque removal, using prophylactic paste and chlorhexidine gel 1 %. The design was cross-over with a blind examiner. Plaque formation was assessed by Turesky modification of the Quigley & Hein Index (1970), every 24 hours up to 96 hours without oral hygiene. The secreted crevicular fluid was collected at baseline and after 4 days of plaque accumulation. Median values were used for plaque index and mean values for the gingival crevicular fluid and compared by T student test and ANOVA (p< 0,05), respectively. A gradual enhancement of plaque formation was observed in both groups. Chlorhexidine gel showed a statistically grater number of plaque free surfaces at 48 hours and smaller plaque formation as compareci to the prophylactic paste at 72 hours. This difference was not observed 4 days after. The amount of gingival fluid secreted was not different after 96 hours in neither treatment. It may be concluded that less plaque is formed after professional plaque control associated with 1 % gel applied once up to 72 hours.