The efficacy of 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse compared with 0.2% on plaque accumulation and periodontal parameters: a systematic review

Early periodontal wound healing after chlorhexidine rinsing: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

This single-center randomized, parallel design, clinical trial with a 2-week follow-up involved patients affected by periodontitis undergoing periodontal surgery. The aim was to evaluate periodontal surgical wound healing with the use of chlorhexidine-based mouth rinses versus an untreated control group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Periodontal surgery was performed following a standardized protocol. Patients were randomly prescribed i) chlorhexidine (CHX) + anti-discoloration system (ADS) + hyaluronic acid (HA), ii) CHX + ADS or iii) no treatment (control group). Plaque score, gingival inflammation, and Early Healing Index (EHI), assessing the degree of wound closure and the presence of fibrin and necrosis, were evaluated at 3, 7 and 14 days after surgery.

RESULTS

In total, 33 patients were enrolled. Patients were comparable at baseline for all measured clinical parameters. At 3-days wound healing was significantly improved in all patients treated with CHX + ADS-based mouth rinses with a lower EHI score at the interdental papillae compared with control group (p < 0.01). CHX + ADS + HA group presented improved healing across all time points in terms of EHI, plaque containment, and gingival inflammation when compared to control group (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

The usage of CHX-ADS following periodontal surgery improved early wound healing, reduced plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. During the early post-operative period the adjunct of HA further improved soft tissue closure.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study aims at evaluating the response of gingival tissues to mouth rinsing with chlorhexidine and anti-discoloration system (CHX + ADS) or CHX + ADS + hyaluronic acid (CHX + ADS + HA) versus no rinse in terms of healing of the periodontal surgical wound. CHX + ADS mouth rinses enhanced early soft tissue closure after periodontal surgery and contributed to the reduction in plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. The adjunct of HA may be beneficial especially in the early post-operative period. CHX + ADS administration following periodontal surgery may improve soft tissue healing in the first two post-operative weeks.

Proguanil and chlorhexidine augment the antibacterial activities of clarithromycin and rifampicin against Acinetobacter baumannii

The emergence of Acinetobacter baumannii infections as a significant healthcare concern in hospital settings, coupled with their association with poorer clinical outcomes, has prompted extensive investigation into novel therapeutic agents and innovative treatment strategies. Proguanil and chlorhexidine, both categorized as biguanide compounds, have displayed clinical efficacy as antimalarial and topical antibacterial agents, respectively. In this study, we conducted an investigation to assess the effectiveness of combining proguanil and chlorhexidine with clarithromycin or rifampicin against both laboratory strains and clinical isolates of A. baumannii. The combination therapy demonstrated rapid bactericidal activity against planktonic multidrug-resistant A. baumannii, exhibiting efficacy in eradicating mature biofilms and impeding the development of antibiotic resistance in vitro. Additionally, when administered in conjunction with clarithromycin or rifampicin, proguanil enhanced the survival rate of mice afflicted with intraperitoneal A. baumannii infections, and chlorhexidine expedited wound healing in mice with skin infections. These findings are likely attributable to the disruption of A. baumannii cell membrane integrity by proguanil and chlorhexidine, resulting in heightened membrane permeability and enhanced intracellular accumulation of clarithromycin and rifampicin. Overall, this study underscores the potential of employing proguanil and chlorhexidine in combination with specific antibiotics to effectively combat A. baumannii infections and improve treatment outcomes in clinically challenging scenarios.

The Effectiveness of the Association of Chlorhexidine with Mechanical Treatment of Peri-Implant Mucositis

(1) Background: The aim of the study was to evaluate the benefit of combining chlorhexidine with the mechanical treatment of peri-implant mucositis. (2) Methods: Articles from 2016 to 2021 included in the PubMed and Scopus databases were analyzed, following the PICOS criteria and the randomized controlled study model that used chlorhexidine in various forms in the treatment of peri-mucositis. According to the established criteria, a limited number of studies were selected. These studies had as their criteria of evaluation for the effectiveness of chlorhexidine, plaque indices, bleeding indices and depth probing indices. Chlorhexidine has been used after mechanical debridement as a solution, with different concentrations of 0.06%/0.12%/0.2% alone or in a concentration of 0.03%, in combination with 0.05% cetylpyridinium chloride, as well as in the form of a gel with a concentration of 0.2%. (3) Results: The results were assessed to a placebo or other substances, and showed a significant reduction in the indices with a follow-up period ranging from 3 months to 1 year. (4) Conclusions: The association of chlorhexidine with the mechanical treatment of peri-implant mucositis has a role in reducing inflammation, although a complete remission was not obtained in all cases, and the results were not statistically significantly different from the use of other antiseptics.

Preprocedural Viral Load Effects of Oral Antiseptics on SARS-CoV-2 in Patients with COVID-19: A Systematic Review

(1) There are limited clinical trials to support the effectiveness of mouth rinses when used as a preprocedural rinse against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy of antiseptic mouth rinses as a preprocedural rinse in reducing SARS-CoV-2 oral viral load in-vivo. (2) Methods: A literature search was conducted through November 2022 for the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. The evaluated outcomes were quantitative changes in viral load and the statistical significance of that change after using antiseptic mouth rinses. (3) Results: 14 randomized controlled trials (RCT) were selected for risk of bias assessment and data extraction. (4) Conclusion: Within the limits of this systematic review, preprocedural mouth rinses may significantly reduce SARS-CoV-2 in the mouth, thus, reducing the viral particles available for airborne dispersion. Preprocedural mouth rinses may be an effective strategy for reducing airborne SARS-CoV-2 dispersion in the environment. Their use may be a preventive strategy to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in selected medical and healthcare facilities, including dental clinics. Potential preprocedural mouth rinses are identified for use as an integral part of safe practice for healthcare protocols. This systematic review was registered with the National Institute for Health Research, international prospective register of systematic reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42022315177.

Comparison of 0.12% Chlorhexidine and a New Bone Bioactive Liquid, BBL, in Mouthwash for Oral Wound Healing: A Randomized, Double Blind Clinical Human Trial

Following surgery, healing within the oral cavity occurs in a hostile environment, and proper oral care and hygiene are required to accelerate recovery. The aim of the current study is to investigate and compare the bioreactivity characteristics of mouthwashes based on either chlorhexidine (CHX) or a novel bone bioactive liquid (BBL) in terms of oral healing within seven days application post-surgery. A randomized, double blind clinical trial was conducted in 81 patients, wherein the mouthwashes were applied twice a day for a period of 7 days. The visual analog scale (VAS) protocol was applied to determine pain index scores. Early wound healing index (EHI) score was determined for evaluating oral cavity healing progress. No adverse effects were observed using the mouthwashes, but CHX application resulted in stained teeth. Applications of both CHX and BBL were sufficient to reduce pain over a period of 7 days. However, the BBL group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in VAS scores starting on day 4. The EHI scores were significantly higher in the BBL group compared with the CHX group, independent of tooth location. No differences in either VAS or EHI scores due to gender were observed. Compared with the commercially available CHX mouthwash, application of the BBL mouthwash reduced pain and accelerated oral cavity healing to a greater extent, suggesting it effectively improves the oral cavity microenvironment at the wound site in mediating soft tissue regeneration.

Difficult intubation and postoperative aspiration pneumonia associated with Moebius syndrome: a case report

Background

Moebius syndrome is a rare congenital disorder characterized by non-progressive palsy of the abducens (VI) and facial (VII) cranial nerves. Its common features include dysfunctions associated with other cranial nerves, orofacial abnormalities, skeletal muscle hypotonia, and other systemic disorders of differing severities. There are several concerns in the perioperative management of patients with Moebius syndrome.

Case presentation

We present a report on the management of general anesthesia of a 14-year-old male patient with Moebius syndrome who was scheduled for mandibular cystectomy. The patient was diagnosed with Moebius syndrome at the age of 7 years based on his clinical manifestations of nerve palsy since birth and cranial nerve palsy of the trigeminal (V), facial (VII), glossopharyngeal (IX), vagus (X), and sublingual nerves (XII). The patient’s oral morphological abnormalities made intubation difficult. He also experienced dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia on a daily basis. Oral secretions were frequently suctioned postoperatively. However, after discharge, the patient developed aspiration pneumonia and was readmitted to the hospital.

Conclusions

The main problem arising when administering general anesthesia to patients with this syndrome is difficult airway management. The oral abnormalities in these patients, such as small jaw and extreme dental stenosis, make mask ventilation and intubation difficult. Furthermore, this syndrome often involves respiratory impairment and dysphagia due to cerebral nerve palsy, so there is a high risk of postoperative respiratory complications. Since multiple organs are affected in patients with Moebius syndrome, appropriate perioperative management strategies must be prepared for these patients.

Clinical Efficacy of 1% CHX Gluconate Gel and 0.12% CHX Solution: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Chlorhexidine (CHX) is an effective antibacterial agent and is used in dental treatment in several formulations. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of CHX solution and CHX gel on dental plaque inhibition and gingivitis relief by a randomized clinical trial. Thirty-eight participants were randomly divided into two groups: control group (0.12% CHX solution) and test group (1% CHX gel). Participants were provided with CHX products and were instructed to use each product in the morning and evening for 1 week. Clinical results were evaluated by analyzing the collected data of Turesky et al. the modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TQHPI), gingival index (GI) and the BANA test. Measurements were conducted 4 weeks and 8 weeks after using chlorhexidine products. The results were analyzed using repeated measured ANOVA and paired t-test. TQHPI and GI were significantly different after treatments in both groups (p < 0.001). The GI decreased more in the test group compared to the control group 4 weeks and 8 weeks later. In both groups, the BANA score also significantly decreased (p < 0.001) after 8 weeks, though the BANA score decreased relatively more in the CHX gel group than the CHX solution group. These results suggest that 1% CHX gel is more effective in reducing gingivitis and bacteria of periodontal disease than the 0.12% CHX solution. Therefore, the 1% CHX gel is expected to be actively used for non-surgical treatment of periodontal disease patients.

Oxidative/anti-oxidative effects of colloidal silver ions and chlorhexidine in saliva and gingival fluid of periodontal patients

Background/Aim. Chronic periodontitis is an inflammatory disease. Oxidative stress is an important factor in periodontitis progress, hence examining the antioxidative properties of antiseptics, such as chlorhexidine (CHX) and silver ions solution (SSI), is a beneficial biomarker in estimating the recovery of tissue impairment during periodontal disease treatment. Methods. This clinical trial was conducted on the control group referred to healthy volunteers and individuals with periodontal disease, divided into two subgroups: before and after applying antiseptic treatments (CHX or SSI). Measurements of oxidative/antioxidative parameters were addressed to determine thiobarbituric acid products (TBARS) concentration and total superoxide dismutase (tSOD) activity in saliva and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of periodontal patients. Results. TBARS concentration was increased in saliva before the CHX treatment compared to the periodontal group after the CHX treatment, as well as before both CHX and SSI antiseptic treatment in CGF, compared to controls and periodontal groups after the treatment. Patients before SSI treatment had increased tSOD activity in saliva compared to the control group treated with SSI, as well as compared to patients after the SSI treatment. Additionally, tSOD activity was increased in GCF in patients with periodontitis before antiseptic treatment (CHX, SSI) compared to the control or the group of patients after the appropriate treatment. Conclusion. Our results revealed elevated lipid peroxidation in CGF, which reflected the promotion of oxidative stress during periodontal inflammation. The study suggests that antiseptics with antioxidant properties may reduce tissue damage initiated by periodontal disease. Moreover, the determination of oxidative/antioxidative parameters can be important for diagnosing, monitoring, and prognosis of the clinical state of periodontal patients.

The ever-changing landscape in modern dentistry therapeutics - Enhancing the emptying quiver of the periodontist

Introduction/Objectives

Periodontitis comprises of a wide range of inflammatory conditions of the gums leading to soft tissue damage and attachment loss. The initiation of periodontitis constitutes a rather complex disease pathogenesis which is based on pathogenic shifts of the oral microbiota combined with the host-microbiome interactions. The severity of the periodontitis is multifactorial depending on genetic, environmental, as well as host immunity factors.

Data and sources

To make an inclusive analysis on the periodontitis therapeutics, reading of the recent relevant literature was carried out using the MEDLINE/PubMed database, Google Scholar and the NIH public online database for clinical trials (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

Conclusions

Tackling the inflammation associated periodontal defects can be succeeded with conventional therapy or resective and regenerative treatment. To date, the mechanical removal of the supragingival and subgingival biofilm is considered the “gold standard” of periodontal therapy in combination with the use of antibacterial compounds. The antimicrobial resistance phenomenon tends to turn all the currently applied antibacterials into “endangered species”. Ongoing efforts through the conduct of clinical trials should be focused on understanding the advantages of modern approaches in comparison to traditional therapies.

Real-Time Analysis of Antiproliferative Effects of Mouthwashes Containing Alcohol, Sodium Fluoride, Cetylpyridinium Chloride, and Chlorhexidine In Vitro

Objectives

In this study, the cytotoxic responses of six different over-the-counter mouthwashes on L929 cells were analyzed by two different techniques: the traditional colorimetric tetrazolium-based reduction assay (MTT) and the modern impedance-based real-time cell analysis (RTCA) system to investigate their biocompatibility in vitro. Thus, the investigation of the antiproliferative effects of the specified materials via different techniques is vital to reach this goal.

Materials and Methods

First, L929 mouse fibroblasts were exposed to the dilutions of mouthwashes for 2 minutes. After incubation, the tetrazolium reduction method was used to assess the metabolic viability of cells measured by colorimetric MTT assay and morphological inspection of cells was performed via phase-contrast microscopy. Furthermore, the effect of each mouthwash on the proliferation, morphology, and adhesion of L929 cells was monitored continuously by a noninvasive and label-free RTCA system for 140 h.

Results

Our data showed that all of the mouthwashes had varying cytotoxic effects on fibroblasts compared to the control group in MTT assay. In addition to that, RTCA technology has provided the growth kinetic profiles that can be used to analyze if the treatment is causing antimitotic or DNA-damaging effect on cells. Thus, analysis via this system can tell us the mechanism of toxicity behind the cell growth inhibition in vitro. Here, we found that only mouthwash 1 moderately maintained the viability of the L929 cells, yet displaying antimitotic effects and the other mouthwashes (mouthwash 2-mouthwash 6) showed toxicity via DNA-damaging effects.

Conclusions

Of the six types of mouthwash tested, the most biocompatible result was obtained from a mouthwash containing alcohol (i.e., mouthwash 1). On the other hand, sodium fluoride- (NaF-) and cetylpyridinium chloride- (CPC-) containing mouthwash (i.e., mouthwash 2) showed the most cytotoxic effect.

Preliminary model assessing the cost-effectiveness of preoperative chlorhexidine mouthwash at reducing postoperative pneumonia among abdominal surgery patients in South Africa

Background

Pneumonia is a common and severe complication of abdominal surgery, it is associated with increased length of hospital stay, healthcare costs, and mortality. Further, pulmonary complication rates have risen during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. This study explored the potential cost-effectiveness of administering preoperative chlorhexidine mouthwash versus no-mouthwash at reducing postoperative pneumonia among abdominal surgery patients.

Methods

A decision analytic model taking the South African healthcare provider perspective was constructed to compare costs and benefits of mouthwash versus no-mouthwash-surgery at 30 days after abdominal surgery. We assumed two scenarios: (i) the absence of COVID-19; (ii) the presence of COVID-19. Input parameters were collected from published literature including prospective cohort studies and expert opinion. Effectiveness was measured as proportion of pneumonia patients. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the impact of parameter uncertainties. The results of the probabilistic sensitivity analysis were presented using cost-effectiveness planes and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves.

Results

In the absence of COVID-19, mouthwash had lower average costs compared to no-mouthwash-surgery, $3,675 (R 63,770) versus $3,958 (R 68,683), and lower proportion of pneumonia patients, 0.029 versus 0.042 (dominance of mouthwash intervention). In the presence of COVID-19, the increase in pneumonia rate due to COVID-19, made mouthwash more dominant as it was more beneficial to reduce pneumonia patients through administering mouthwash. The cost-effectiveness acceptability curves shown that mouthwash surgery is likely to be cost-effective between $0 (R0) and $15,000 (R 260,220) willingness to pay thresholds.

Conclusions

Both the absence and presence of SARS-CoV-2, mouthwash is likely to be cost saving intervention for reducing pneumonia after abdominal surgery. However, the available evidence for the effectiveness of mouthwash was extrapolated from cardiac surgery; there is now an urgent need for a robust clinical trial on the intervention on non-cardiac surgery.

Comparison of the Effect of Breast Milk and Sodium Bicarbonate Solution for Oral Care in Infants with Tracheal Intubation After Cardiothoracic Surgery

Background: This study aimed to explore the effect of breast milk and sodium bicarbonate solution used in oral care of infants with tracheal intubation after cardiothoracic surgery. Methods: A randomized clinical controlled trial was conducted in a provincial hospital in China. Fifty infantile patients were randomly divided into two groups: the patients in the study group (n = 25) used breast milk for oral care and the patients in the control group (n = 25) used sodium bicarbonate solution for oral care. The relevant clinical data were recorded, including the mechanical ventilation duration, length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay, length of hospital stay, and complications. Results: The length of ICU stay, length of hospital stay, and duration of mechanical ventilation were shorter in the study group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, the incidence of thrush and ventilator-associated pulmonary infection in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The use of breast milk for oral care has a positive effect on the prevention of thrush and ventilator-associated pulmonary infection in infants with tracheal intubation after cardiothoracic surgery.

First insights into chlorhexidine retention in the oral cavity after application of different regimens

Objectives

This in situ study aimed to determine and compare the chlorhexidine (CHX) retention in the oral cavity after the application of different CHX pharmaceutical regimens.

Methods

Five volunteers used different CHX treatment regimens including mouth rinses, dental spray and toothpaste gel. After the application of the different CHX regimens, 2-μl samples were taken from saliva and buccal mucosa pellicle as well as the dental pellicle samples formed on standardized enamel surfaces. Sample collection was conducted at six time points within 12 h. Retention of CHX was measured using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry.

Results

CHX retention values in the oral mucosa pellicle were significantly higher than those in saliva. CHX remained in the mucosal pellicle at microgrammes per millilitre levels for 12 h after mouth rinsing, 10 h after spray application and 2 h after using the toothpaste. CHX was detected in the dental pellicle for at least 12 h after application of mouth rinsing and spray. Retention of CHX after mouth rinsing or spray application was significantly higher than the retention after using toothpaste.

Conclusions

Oral mucosa was the favourable site for CHX retention. Higher mouth rinse concentration and longer rinsing time produced a slight increase in CHX retention. CHX spray provided considerable retention values, whereas toothpaste gel delivered the lowest retention after application. MALDI-TOF was a sensitive method with excellent limits of quantification for CHX detection.

Recent Development of Active Ingredients in Mouthwashes and Toothpastes for Periodontal Diseases

Periodontal diseases like gingivitis and periodontitis are primarily caused by dental plaque. Several antiplaque and anti-microbial agents have been successfully incorporated into toothpastes and mouthwashes to control plaque biofilms and to prevent and treat gingivitis and periodontitis. The aim of this article was to review recent developments in the antiplaque, anti-gingivitis, and anti-periodontitis properties of some common compounds in toothpastes and mouthwashes by evaluating basic and clinical studies, especially the ones published in the past five years. The common active ingredients in toothpastes and mouthwashes included in this review are chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, stannous chloride, zinc oxide, zinc chloride, and two herbs—licorice and curcumin. We believe this comprehensive review will provide useful up-to-date information for dental care professionals and the general public regarding the major oral care products on the market that are in daily use.

Clinical Efficacy of Chlorhexidine as an Adjunct to Mechanical Therapy of Peri-Implant Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine the efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) as an adjunctive therapy to mechanical debridement in the treatment of peri-implant diseases. Five databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trails, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov) were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing mechanical debridement combined with CHX to mechanical debridement alone for patients with peri-implant disease were identified. The trial investigators evaluated factors indicating inflammatory levels, including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Six RCTs with 207 patients were ultimately included in this review. Low- to moderate-quality evidence demonstrated that the adjunctive CHX therapy had no significant effect on BOP reduction within 1 month (mean difference [MD], 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], -0.06 to 0.25), 3-4 months (MD, 0.06; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.15), and 6-8 months (MD, 0.06; 95% CI, -0.03 to 0.14) of follow-up. Significant differences in PD reduction and CAL gain were also not found. Although 1 subgroup analysis revealed a significant result (MD, 009; 95% CI, 0.01-0.18) for the use of CHX solution, this could be interpreted as clinically slight. Based on available evidence, adding CHX to mechanical debridement, compared with mechanical debridement alone, did not significantly enhance the clinical results. Therefore, clinicians should consider the negligible effect of adjunctive CHX.

European white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia in head and neck cancer

Purpose

To develop a European White Paper document on oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) in head and neck cancer (HNC). There are wide variations in the management of OD associated with HNC across Europe.

Methods

Experts in the management of specific aspects of OD in HNC across Europe were delegated by their professional medical and multidisciplinary societies to contribute to this document. Evidence is based on systematic reviews, consensus-based position statements, and expert opinion.

Results

Twenty-four sections on HNC-specific OD topics.

Conclusion

This European White Paper summarizes current best practice on management of OD in HNC, providing recommendations to support patients and health professionals. The body of literature and its level of evidence on diagnostics and treatment for OD in HNC remain poor. This is in the context of an expected increase in the prevalence of OD due to HNC in the near future. Contributing factors to increased prevalence include aging of our European population (including HNC patients) and an increase in human papillomavirus (HPV) related cancer, despite the introduction of HPV vaccination in various countries. We recommend timely implementation of OD screening in HNC patients while emphasizing the need for robust scientific research on the treatment of OD in HNC. Meanwhile, its management remains a challenge for European professional associations and policymakers.

Comparison of commercially available 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash with and without anti-discoloration system: A blinded, crossover clinical trial

AIM

To evaluate clinical performance and side effects of two commercially available 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwashes after periodontal surgery, one with (test) and one without (control) an anti-discoloration system.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This single-centre, crossover clinical trial included 38 patients undergoing two sessions of periodontal flap surgery. The participants used two different 0.2% chlorhexidine products, one with and one without an anti-discoloration system, in the 14-day post-operative periods. Plaque, gingival inflammation, tooth staining, side effects and patient preference were evaluated.

RESULTS

The control mouthwash (without an anti-discolouring system) produced significantly lower plaque (p = 0.02) and gingival index (p = 0.01) compared to the test mouthwash. The test mouthwash produced significantly less staining in the gingival (p = 0.002) and approximal areas (p = 0.0004), but no difference was detected in the buccal area of the teeth. The patients did not show preference for any of the mouthwashes.

CONCLUSION

Chlorhexidine mouthwash without an anti-discoloration system resulted in significantly lowered plaque and gingival index compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash with an anti-discoloration following periodontal surgery. No difference in patient preference was found despite less side effects produced by the chlorhexidine mouthwash with the anti-discoloration system.

Current Approaches for the Non-surgical Management of Peri-implant Diseases

Purpose of the Review

Peri-implant diseases are inflammatory reactions to bacterial infections affecting osseointegrated dental implants. In recent years, scientific interest on this topic has increased, as demonstrated by the appearance of a large number of protocols for treating peri-implant mucositis (PIM) and peri-implantitis (PI). The aim of the present narrative review is to provide an overview of the recent (e.g., 2014–present) published protocols for the non-surgical treatment of peri-implant diseases.

Recent Findings

Several adjunctive measures for mechanical debridement have been proposed and investigated to achieve implant surface decontamination and resolution of mucosal inflammation. However, none of the adjunctive measures has been shown to significantly improve peri-implant conditions compared with non-surgical mechanical debridement alone.

Summary

Non-surgical approaches for the treatment of peri-implant diseases have been proved to be reliable in reducing clinical signs of peri-implant inflammation (e.g., BoP), although with limited capability to achieve complete disease resolution. Due to the limited benefits from the use of currently proposed adjunctive methods (e.g., chlorhexidine, lasers, photodynamic therapy, systemic probiotics) their application is not recommended until further investigations prove their clinical utility.

Does Probiotic Lactobacillus Have an Adjunctive Effect in the Nonsurgical Treatment of Peri-Implant Diseases? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the additional effect of probiotic Lactobacillus in the nonsurgical management of peri-implant diseases (peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis).

METHODS

Six databases were searched up to May 2019 without time and language restrictions. Study selection and data extraction were conducted independently by 2 reviewers. The inclusion criteria for this systematic review were defined based on the participants, intervention, comparison, outcomes, and study design (PICOS) format. Randomized controlled trials comparing nonsurgical treatment combined with probiotic Lactobacillus or placebo agent in patients with peri-implant diseases were included. The methodological quality of retrieved studies was assessed according to the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool, and the quality of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool. Odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to describe dichotomous data, while mean difference and standardized mean difference with 95% CI were used to describe continuous variables.

RESULTS

Seven randomized controlled trials with 296 implants were included in this meta-analysis. The mean difference of probing pocket depth (PPD) was -0.05 (95% CI: -0.28 to 0.18; P = .67) immediately after treatment termination and -0.17 (95% CI: -1.01 to 0.67, P = .69) at least 2 months after treatment termination. There was a slight reduction of PPD after treatment termination. Compared with placebo, Lactobacillus provided limited benefits in peri-implant mucositis. There were no significant differences in the secondary outcomes of bleeding on probing or plaque index (P > .05). In a narrative synthesis of peri-implantitis, the effect of Lactobacillus on PPD and bleeding on probing remained controversial.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis showed that probiotic Lactobacillus provide limited benefits to the nonsurgical treatment of peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis.

Pyrosequencing of the subgingival microbiome in peri-implantitis after non-surgical mechanical debridement therapy

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Peri-implantitis remains a challenge for dental implant therapy, and the prognosis of non-surgical therapy for peri-implantitis is unsatisfactory. In order to reveal the impact of non-surgical mechanical debridement therapy on microbial communities, we investigated the subgingival microbial communities of healthy implants and implants with peri-implantitis, both before and after the therapy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Subgingival plaques were collected from patients with healthy dental implants (HC; n = 10) and from patients with peri-implantitis (n = 13) before and after non-surgical mechanical debridement therapy. The treatment was conducted using curettes for submucosal debridement followed by irrigation with 0.2% (w/v) chlorhexidine, with re-examination 1 month later. 16S rRNA pyrosequencing was used to analyze the subgingival microbiome, and co-occurrence networks were adopted to explore the interactions between pathogens in the microbial communities.

RESULTS

A total of 506 955 high-quality reads were generated, and 2222 operational taxonomic units were finally detected using a 97% similarity cutoff, with a mean of 249 ± 69 per sample. The peri-implantitis sites harbored similar microbial communities before and after the treatment, as demonstrated by the microbial diversity, relative abundance, and prevalence of bacteria. Most importantly, the microbial community structures were stable before and after non-surgical therapy based on the microbial diversity and bacterial composition, as well as the interactions between key pathogens, including Enterobacteriaceae, Selenomonas sputigena, Parvimonas, Eubacterium infirmum, Campylobacter gracilis, Tannerella forsythia, and Fusobacterium, which were measured using a co-occurrence network analysis. Periodontal pathogens were also detected in subgingival plaque after the treatment. Distinct microbial communities were found between the healthy and peri-implantitis sites.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that non-surgical mechanical debridement therapy did not significantly affect the subgingival microbial communities in peri-implantitis, and the stable microbial networks created via interactions among pathogens may be responsible for the poor prognosis of peri-implantitis treatment.

Evidence-based strategy for dental biofilms: Current evidence of mouthwashes on dental biofilm and gingivitis

Therapeutic mouthwash (MW) is an adjunctive tool along with a regular oral hygiene routine of daily tooth brushing and daily flossing. Previous systematic reviews have demonstrated that it is effective against dental biofilm and gingival inflammation, for prevention of dental caries, and for managing one's bad breath condition according to the active ingredients. MWs prevent the microorganisms from bacterial adhesion that corresponds to the initial step in biofilm formation. This review summarized the current state of evidence such as anti-biofilm, anti-gingivitis and cariostatic properties of MWs by evaluating systematic reviews from the past six years. The anti-biofilm property has been proven to be effective, with strong evidence of three main clinical efficacies. The most commonly studied active agent was chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), followed by essential oil (EO) and cetylpyridinium chloride. All the systematic reviews are in complete agreement that CHX and EO provide statistically significant improvements in terms of plaque and gingival indices. These effects have held up over the years as the number of studies has increased. While the use of fluoride MW is proven to be effective in improving the oral health of both children and adults, the quality of evidence is still regarded as low.

Phenotypic Investigation of the Antimicrobial Effect of Organic and Hydro-Alcoholic Extracts of Boswellia serrata on Oral Microbiota

Objectives:

Considering the emergence of resistant microbes and side effects of chemical drugs, in this study, the inhibitory effect of organic and hydro-alcoholic extracts of Boswellia serrata (B. serrata) on some oral microbiota was investigated.

Materials and Methods:

In this experimental study, standard strains of Candida albicans (C. albicans; PTCC 5027), Candida glabrata (C. glabrata; PTCC 5295), Candida krusei (C. krusei; PTCC 5297), and Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans; PTCC 1688) were collected from the Iranian Research Organization for Science and Technology (IROST). Then, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of organic and hydro-alcoholic extracts of B. serrata was determined based on the CLSI protocol and using the micro-dilution method. The contents of each well were subcultured in Müller-Hinton agar (Candida species) and blood agar (S. mutans). The lowest concentration with no growth was considered as the minimum fungicidal concentration (MFC) or bactericidal concentration (MBC). Statistical analyses were performed using Mann-Whitney test.

Results:

Hydro-alcoholic extract of B. serrata at the concentration of 50 mg/ml inhibited the growth of C. albicans and S. mutans. It also inhibited the growth of C. krusei and C. glabrata at the concentration of 100 mg/ml. Organic extract of B. serrata at the concentration of 200 mg/ml only inhibited the growth of C. glabrata.

Conclusion:

Hydro-alcoholic extract of B. serrata had a greater inhibitory effect on C. albicans and S. mutans compared to the organic extract.

Subgingival microbiome of experimental gingivitis: shifts associated with the use of chlorhexidine and N-acetyl cysteine mouthwashes

This study aimed to demonstrate subgingival microbial changes associated with development, prevention, and treatment of experimental gingivitis using chlorhexidine (CHX) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) mouthwashes. This randomized clinical trial comprised two parts: a 3-week prevention sub-study in which 30 study subjects were equally assigned to either mouthwash or placebo while developing experimental gingivitis; followed by a 2-week treatment sub-study in which 20 subjects with experimental gingivitis were assigned to either mouthwash. Subgingival samples were collected at the beginning and end of each sub-study for microbial profiling with 16S rRNA gene sequencing. As expected, CHX was effective in both preventing and reversing experimental gingivitis; NAC had a modest effect. Gingivitis was associated with enrichment of TM7 HOT-346/349, Tannerella HOT-286, Cardiobacterium valvarum, Campylobacter gracilis, Porphyromonas catoniae, Leptotrichia HOT-219, and Selenomonas spp. At the phylum/genus level, TM7 showed the strongest association. Gingival health was associated with increased abundance of Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Lautropia mirabilis, Rothia spp., Streptococcus spp., and Kingella oralis. CHX demonstrated largely indiscriminate antimicrobial action, resulting in significant drop in biomass and diversity. Our results substantiate the role of specific oral bacterial species in the development of gingivitis. They also indicate that NAC is not a promising mouthwash at the concentration tested.

Induction and inhibition of oral malodor

Volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) such as hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) and methyl mercaptan (CH₃ SH) are the main components of oral malodor, and are produced as the end products of the proteolytic processes of oral microorganisms. The main pathway of proteolysis is the metabolism of sulfur-containing amino acids by gram-negative anaerobic bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria may promote VSC production by gram-negative anaerobes by cleaving sugar chains from glycoproteins and thus providing proteins. A large variety of bacteria within the oral microbiota are thought to be involved in the complex phenomenon of halitosis. Oral microbiota associated with a lack of oral malodor, oral microbiota associated with severe and H₂ S-dominant oral malodor, and oral microbiota associated with severe and CH₃ SH-dominant oral malodor have been distinguished through molecular approaches using the 16S rRNA gene. Pathological halitosis may primarily be addressed through treatment of causative diseases. In all cases, plaque control is the basis of oral malodor control, and dentifrices, mouthwashes, and functional foods play a supplementary role in addition to brushing. Recently, the use of natural ingredients in products tends to be favored due to the increase in antibiotic-resistant strains and the side effects of some chemical ingredients. In addition, probiotics and vaccines are expected to offer new strategies for improving the oral conditions through mechanisms other than antibacterial agents.

N-acetyl cysteine versus chlorhexidine mouthwashes in prevention and treatment of experimental gingivitis: a randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) mouthwash with chlorhexidine (CHX) in prevention and treatment of experimental gingivitis MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty subjects were assigned randomly and blindly into one of three equal groups: NAC, CHX, or placebo group. The study was conducted in two stages: preventive and treatment substudies. Professional prophylaxis was performed ahead of starting the preventive substudy. Then, the subjects were instructed to stop oral hygiene practices and begin rinsing twice/day with 15 ml of the assigned mouthwash (1.25% NAC, 0.2% CHX, or inert base). Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and papillary bleeding index (PBI) were measured at baseline, 7, 14, and 21 days. The treatment substudy started on day 21 in which the subjects in the placebo group (now with established experimental gingivitis) were assigned to NAC (n = 10) or CHX (n = 10); the abovementioned indices were measured at 28 and 35 days. Efficacy of these interventions was compared.

RESULTS

All groups accumulated plaque and developed some degree of gingivitis: full-blown in the placebo group and remarkably mild in the CHX group. NAC had slight preventive properties at days 14 and 21. In the treatment substudy, CHX was associated with remarkable reduction in plaque and gingivitis while NAC resulted in insignificant reductions.

CONCLUSIONS

1.25% NAC is marginally effective in prevention and treatment of experimental gingivitis.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

When compared with the placebo, NAC showed promising preventive and treatment effects of gingivitis that deserve further development and studies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN31352091.

Chlorhexidine for prevention of alveolar osteitis: a randomised clinical trial

Objective

To determine the effectiveness of chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash (CHX) after tooth extraction for the prevention of alveolar osteitis (AO).

Material and methods

We conducted a double-blind randomised clinical trial stratified by risk factors. We enrolled a cohort of 822 patients who underwent dental extractions, and were considered to be at risk of developing AO (previous surgical site infection, traumatic extraction, and tobacco smoking). After extraction, patients were randomly allocated for CHX group or placebo group, matched by risk factors. The primary outcome was clinical diagnosis of AO: increasing postoperative pain for 4 d within and around the socket, and total or partial breakdown of the blood clot in the socket with or without bone exposure.

Results

Follow-up was completed by 744 participants (372 chlorhexidine and 372 placebo). We detected no significant differences between the two groups at baseline. After completed follow-up, risk factors were equally distributed between the two groups. Overall incidence of OA was 4.97%, in which 27 participants treated with placebo (7.26%) and 10 participants treated with CHX (2.69%) developed AO. CHX reduced the incidence of AO by 63% [Absolute Risk Reduction: 4.57 (95% CI 1.5-7.7), Number Needed to Treat: 21.88 (95% CI 13.0-69.3), Fisher's exact test: p=0.006]. No adverse effects were reported.

Conclusion

The use of chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash after tooth extraction is safe and effective in reducing the incidence of AO in high-risk patients.

Will a chlorhexidine-fluoride mouthwash reduce plaque and gingivitis?

FOCUS QUESTION

What is the efficacy of a chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash (MW) containing sodium fluoride (NaF) compared to a CHX - MW alone on the parameters of plaque, gingivitis and discoloration?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

MEDLINE-PubMed, Cochrane-CENTRAL, and EMBASE were searched for papers from inception to December 2017. The inclusion criteria were (randomized) controlled clinical trials conducted in human subjects with good general health and without removable prosthesis. Papers evaluating the effect of a MW containing CHX + NaF compared to a CHX alone were included. From the eligible studies, data were extracted, a descriptive analysis was performed and a meta-analysis when feasible.

RESULTS

Independent screening of 412 unique papers resulted in 9 eligible publications presenting 10 clinical trials comparing the effect of CHX + NaF to CHX - MW and provided 13 comparisons. Five evaluated the MW as an adjunct to brushing and 8 were non-brushing comparisons of which 4 used an experimental gingivitis model. No significant difference was observed for plaque score reduction in the brushing studies the end scores (diffM; -0.04, P = .36; 95%CI: [-0.13, 0.05]) nor the differences (diffM; 0.11, P = .33; 95%CI: [-0.12, 0.24]). In the descriptive analysis, none of the experiments demonstrated a statistical significant difference regarding Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding Score and Discoloration Scores. For the GI, a meta-analysis of the difference of Means was not significant when included experimental gingivitis model studies end scores (0.01, P = .78; 95%CI: [-0.08, 0.11]) and the difference (0.01, P = .81; 9 5%CI: [-0.08, 0.10]) either for the end scores of brushing studies (diffM; -0.01, P = .82; 95%CI: [-0.10, 0.08]).

CONCLUSION

From this study, it can be concluded that NaF and CHX may be present in the same MW without reducing CHX efficacy with respect to plaque and gingivitis scores. Moreover, no difference in the development of tooth discoloration was observed.

Assessment of antiplaque effectiveness of chlorhexidine-soaked gauze compared to chlorhexidine mouth rinse: Randomized clinical trial

AIM

The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of a disposable gauze soaked with chlorhexidine and rolled up on the finger vs chlorhexidine mouth rinse (CM) to maintain oral hygiene.

METHODS

In this single-blind, randomized trial, both groups were instructed to brush their teeth and use the 0.12% chlorhexidine intervention twice per day (experimental group: toothbrushing + chlorhexidine-soaked gauze; control group: toothbrushing + mouth rinse). The main outcome was the change in full mouth plaque index scores from baseline to 2 weeks. Secondary outcomes were the patient's appreciation (visual analog scale) and the bleeding index.

RESULTS

The final sample consisted of 60 young patients: 31 in the experimental group and 29 in the control group. After 2 weeks, both interventions were effective in reducing plaque index. The percentage of score reduction was 33% in the experimental group and 30% for the controls, with no significant difference between groups. Both interventions reduced the bleeding index, but this reduction was significant only in the experimental group (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is no difference between chlorhexidine-soaked gauze and CM regarding plaque control. In addition, gauze soaked with chlorhexidine was significantly more effective in reducing the bleeding index score and was appreciated by the patients.

The effect of antiseptic oral sprays on dental plaque and gingival inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To review the effectiveness of antiseptic oral sprays on oral health.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Three electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library and Web of Science) were systematically searched to identify relevant studies. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of oral sprays to placebo/control spray or mouthrinse on dental plaque and gingival inflammation were included.

RESULTS

Among a total of 996 papers, 20 effective studies fulfilled the selection criteria, and 8 studies were suitable for inclusion in meta-analyses. A meta-analysis of three studies using a 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) spray intervention, without prophylaxis at baseline, showed reductions in Plaque Index (PI) (Silness and Löe) and Gingival Index (GI) (Silness and Löe) scores of 0.74 (95% CI: -1.03 to -0.45) and 0.22 (95% CI: -0.38 to -0.06), respectively. Five studies provided a prophylaxis for subjects before study initiation. Three of these five studies used 0.2% CHX spray. A meta-analysis demonstrated an increase of 0.18 (95% CI: -0.01 to 0.37) in PI (Silness and Löe) scores. Two RCTs compared 0.12% and 0.2% CHX spray, and a meta-analysis showed increases of 1.71 (95% CI: 1.27 to 2.14) and 1.58 (95% CI: 1.23 to 1.93), respectively, in PI (Quigley and Hein) scores. Of the RCTs not amenable to meta-analysis, eight studies reported significant improvements in PI and GI scores.

CONCLUSIONS

Available evidence suggests that oral sprays are an acceptable delivery method for antiseptic agents. Further high-quality studies are warranted to determine the effectiveness of alternative chemotherapeutic agents delivered via oral sprays on oral health.

The effect of metronidazole plus amoxicillin or metronidazole plus penicillin V on periodontal pathogens in an in vitro biofilm model

A combination of metronidazole (MET) and amoxicillin (AMX) is commonly used as adjunct to mechanical therapy of periodontal disease. The use of broad spectrum antibiotics such as AMX may contribute to development of antibiotic resistance. The aim was to evaluate the in vitro effect of replacing AMX with penicillin V (PV) in combination with MET on a biofilm model. A biofilm model consisting of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Fusobacterium nucleatum was developed. The biofilms were exposed to AMX + MET and PV + MET in two different concentrations. Bacterial viability in biofilms following antibiotic exposure was assessed by viable counts and by confocal microscopy. No live colonies of P. gingivalis nor F. nucleatum were retrieved from biofilms exposed to AMX + MET or PV + MET. The amount of A. actinomycetemcomitans was 4-5 logs reduced following antibiotic treatment; no statistical significance was achieved between AMX + MET or PV + MET treated biofilms. Replacement of AMX with PV at the same concentration, in combination with MET, resulted in similar effect on bacterial viability in this in vitro model. The option of using PV + MET instead of AMX + MET deserves further investigation, as this may contribute to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance development.

Two mechanisms of oral malodor inhibition by zinc ions

The aim of this study was to reveal the mechanisms by which zinc ions inhibit oral malodor. The direct binding of zinc ions to gaseous hydrogen sulfide (H2S) was assessed in comparison with other metal ions. Nine metal chlorides and six metal acetates were examined. To understand the strength of H2S volatilization inhibition, the minimum concentration needed to inhibit H2S volatilization was determined using serial dilution methods. Subsequently, the inhibitory activities of zinc ions on the growth of six oral bacterial strains related to volatile sulfur compound (VSC) production and three strains not related to VSC production were evaluated. Aqueous solutions of ZnCl2, CdCl2, CuCl2, (CH3COO)2Zn, (CH3COO)2Cd, (CH3COO)2Cu, and CH3COOAg inhibited H2S volatilization almost entirely. The strengths of H2S volatilization inhibition were in the order Ag+ > Cd2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+. The effect of zinc ions on the growth of oral bacteria was strain-dependent. Fusobacterium nucleatum ATCC 25586 was the most sensitive, as it was suppressed by medium containing 0.001% zinc ions. Zinc ions have an inhibitory effect on oral malodor involving the two mechanisms of direct binding with gaseous H2S and suppressing the growth of VSC-producing oral bacteria.

Chlorhexidine mouthwash plaque levels and gingival health

Data sourcesCochrane Oral Health's Trials Register; Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) Medline; clinicaltrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. There were no language or date restrictions on searches.Study selectionRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of chlorhexidine mouthrinse used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene procedures for at least four weeks on gingivitis in children and adults.Data extraction and synthesisTwo reviewers independently abstracted data and assessed risk of bias. Mean and standardised mean differences were used for continuous outcomes and risk ratios for dichotomous outcomes. Meta-analysis was carried out where studies of similar comparisons reported the same outcomes at the same time interval.ResultsFifty-one RCTs involving a total of 5,345 patients were included. Only one study was at low risk of bias, the other 50 were at high risk. For patients with mild gingivitis (gingival index [GI] 0 to 3 scale) four to six weeks' use of chlorhexidine mouthrinse reduced gingivitis by 0.21 (95% CI; 0.11 to 0.31) with a similar effect at six months. There were insufficient data to assess the effect on patients with moderate or severe gingival inflammation. For plaque there was a larger effect in favour of chlorhexidine mouthrinse at four to six weeks, SMD (standardised mean difference) = -1.45 (95% CI; -1.90 to -1.00), with a similarly large reduction at six months. A large increase in extrinsic tooth staining was seen with chlorhexidine use at four to six weeks, SMD = 1.07 (95%CI; 0.80 to 1.34) and seven to twelve weeks and six months. A range of other adverse effects were reported including taste disturbance/alteration, oral mucosa symptoms including soreness, irritation, mild desquamation and mucosal ulceration/erosions, and a general burning sensation or a burning tongue or both.ConclusionsThere is high quality evidence from studies that reported the Löe and Silness Gingival Index of a reduction in gingivitis in individuals with mild gingival inflammation on average (mean score of 1 on the 0 to 3 GI scale) that was not considered to be clinically relevant. There is high quality evidence of a large reduction in dental plaque with chlorhexidine mouthrinse used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene procedures for four to six weeks and six months. There is no evidence that one concentration of chlorhexidine rinse is more effective than another. There is insufficient evidence to determine the reduction in gingivitis associated with chlorhexidine mouthrinse use in individuals with mean GI scores of 1.1 to 3 indicating moderate or severe levels of gingival inflammation. Rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthrinse for four weeks or longer causes extrinsic tooth staining. In addition, other adverse effects such as calculus build up, transient taste disturbance and effects on the oral mucosa were reported in the included studies.

Effect of water containing organic acids on aspiration pneumonia-causative bacteria in the biofilm on the tooth surface

Background/purpose

The tooth surface is a source of oral microbes in dentulous individuals, it is difficult for elderly people requiring nursing care to perform mechanical tooth cleaning by themselves. The objective of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial effect of water containing organic acids (WOA) made by some organic acids as food additives on chemical cleaning for elderly people on aspiration pneumonia-causative bacteria in the biofilm on the tooth surface.

Materials and methods

Ninety-six specimens made from bovine incisors were divided into four groups and incubated with one of four aspiration pneumonia-causative bacteria. Each group was further divided into six subgroups according to treatment as follows: control group (DW), chlorhexidine gluconate solution group (CHX), WOA group (WOA), ultrasonic treatment in distilled water group (DW-U), ultrasonic treatment in chlorhexidine gluconate solution group (CHX-U) or ultrasonic treatment in WOA group (WOA-U). After treatment, the levels of viable microbes in the biofilm were evaluated by quantitative adenosine triphosphate analysis and compared among the six groups.

Results

For every evaluated microbe, there were significant differences between DW and WOA, and DW and WOA-U. However, there was no significant difference among the WOA, DW-U, CHX-U and WOA-U groups. These results suggested that the antimicrobial effect of WOA on microbes attached to the tooth surface was similar to that of ultrasonic cleaning.

Conclusion

WOA has an antimicrobial effect on microbes in the biofilm on the tooth surface.

Comparing the effect of 0.06% -, 0.12% and 0.2% Chlorhexidine on plaque, bleeding and side effects in an experimental gingivitis model: a parallel group, double masked randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Chlorhexidine is the gold standard of dental plaque prevention. The aim of the present study was to compare the plaque and gingivitis inhibiting effect of commercial products containing 0.2%, 0.12% and 0.06% chlorhexidine in a modified experimental gingivitis model.

METHODS

In three groups of healthy volunteers, experimental gingivitis was induced and monitored over 21 days and simultaneously treated with the commercial solutions containing 0.2%, 0.12% and 0.06% chlorhexidine. The maxillary right quadrant of each individual received mouthwash only, whereas the maxillary left quadrant was subject to both rinsing and mechanical oral hygiene. Compliance and side effects were monitored at days 7, 14, and 21. Plaque and gingivitis scores were obtained at baseline and day 21.

RESULTS

The commercial mouthwash containing 0.2% chlorhexidine resulted in statistically significantly lower plaque scores than the 0.12 and 0.06% mouthwashes after 21 days use, whereas no statistically significant difference was found between the effects of the two latter.

CONCLUSION

A commercially available mouthwash containing 0.2% chlorhexidine had statistically significant better effect in preventing dental plaque than the 0.12% and 0.06% solutions.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02911766 . Registration date: September 9th 2016.

Alcohol-free essential oils containing mouthrinse efficacy on three-day supragingival plaque regrowth: a randomized crossover clinical trial

Background

To evaluate the antiplaque effects of an alcohol-free mouthrinse containing essential oils—Listerine Zero (LZ)—and an alcohol-based essential oils mouthrinse (EO+) compared with a positive control of 0.20% chlorhexidine mouthrinse (CHX) and a negative control of a placebo solution (saline), using an in vivo plaque regrowth model of three days.

Methods

The study was designed as a double-masked, randomized, crossover clinical trial, involving 21 volunteers to compare four different mouthrinses, using a three-day plaque regrowth model. After receiving thorough professional prophylaxis at baseline, over the next three days each volunteer refrained from all oral hygiene measures and performed two daily rinses with 15 mL of the test mouthrinses. EO+ was compared with LZ. CHX rinse served as a positive control and a placebo solution as a negative control. At the end of each experimental period, the Plaque Index (PI) was assessed and a panelist completed through a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire evaluating the organoleptic properties of each product. Each participant underwent a 14-day washout period and then there was another allocation.

Results

LZ showed the same inhibitory activity on plaque regrowth compared with EO+ in the whole mouth (PI = 1.72 versus 1.65, respectively), but there was less of an effect compared to the CHX (overall PI of 1.07) and a more efficient activity than the saline solution negative control (PI = 2.31). The difference of 0.07 between LZ and EO+ was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

LZ seems to have the same inhibiting effect on plaque regrowth as EO+ and a less inhibiting effect than the CHX control. Both LZ and EO+, as well as the CHX control, show a better inhibiting effect on plaque regrowth than the placebo solution.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02894593. Registered on 4 September 2016.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13063-017-1901-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Chlorhexidine mouthrinse as an adjunctive treatment for gingival health

BACKGROUND

Dental plaque associated gingivitis is a reversible inflammatory condition caused by accumulation and persistence of microbial biofilms (dental plaque) on the teeth. It is characterised by redness and swelling of the gingivae (gums) and a tendency for the gingivae to bleed easily. In susceptible individuals, gingivitis may lead to periodontitis and loss of the soft tissue and bony support for the tooth. It is thought that chlorhexidine mouthrinse may reduce the build-up of plaque thereby reducing gingivitis.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of chlorhexidine mouthrinse used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene procedures for the control of gingivitis and plaque compared to mechanical oral hygiene procedures alone or mechanical oral hygiene procedures plus placebo/control mouthrinse. Mechanical oral hygiene procedures were toothbrushing with/without the use of dental floss or interdental cleaning aids and could include professional tooth cleaning/periodontal treatment.To determine whether the effect of chlorhexidine mouthrinse is influenced by chlorhexidine concentration, or frequency of rinsing (once/day versus twice/day).To report and describe any adverse effects associated with chlorhexidine mouthrinse use from included trials.

SEARCH METHODS

Cochrane Oral Health's Information Specialist searched the following databases: Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register (to 28 September 2016); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 8) in the Cochrane Library (searched 28 September 2016); MEDLINE Ovid (1946 to 28 September 2016); Embase Ovid (1980 to 28 September 2016); and CINAHL EBSCO (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature; 1937 to 28 September 2016). We searched ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform for ongoing trials. No restrictions were placed on the language or date of publication when searching the electronic databases.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials assessing the effects of chlorhexidine mouthrinse used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene procedures for at least 4 weeks on gingivitis in children and adults. Mechanical oral hygiene procedures were toothbrushing with/without use of dental floss or interdental cleaning aids and could include professional tooth cleaning/periodontal treatment. We included trials where participants had gingivitis or periodontitis, where participants were healthy and where some or all participants had medical conditions or special care needs.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently screened the search results extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies. We attempted to contact study authors for missing data or clarification where feasible. For continuous outcomes, we used means and standard deviations to obtain the mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI). We combined MDs where studies used the same scale and standardised mean differences (SMDs) where studies used different scales. For dichotomous outcomes, we reported risk ratios (RR) and 95% CIs. Due to anticipated heterogeneity we used random-effects models for all meta-analyses.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 51 studies that analysed a total of 5345 participants. One study was assessed as being at unclear risk of bias, with the remaining 50 being at high risk of bias, however, this did not affect the quality assessments for gingivitis and plaque as we believe that further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect. Gingivitis After 4 to 6 weeks of use, chlorhexidine mouthrinse reduced gingivitis (Gingival Index (GI) 0 to 3 scale) by 0.21 (95% CI 0.11 to 0.31) compared to placebo, control or no mouthrinse (10 trials, 805 participants with mild gingival inflammation (mean score 1 on the GI scale) analysed, high-quality evidence). A similar effect size was found for reducing gingivitis at 6 months. There were insufficient data to determine the reduction in gingivitis associated with chlorhexidine mouthrinse use in individuals with mean GI scores of 1.1 to 3 (moderate or severe levels of gingival inflammation). Plaque Plaque was measured by different indices and the SMD at 4 to 6 weeks was 1.45 (95% CI 1.00 to 1.90) standard deviations lower in the chlorhexidine group (12 trials, 950 participants analysed, high-quality evidence), indicating a large reduction in plaque. A similar large reduction was found for chlorhexidine mouthrinse use at 6 months. Extrinsic tooth staining There was a large increase in extrinsic tooth staining in participants using chlorhexidine mouthrinse at 4 to 6 weeks. The SMD was 1.07 (95% CI 0.80 to 1.34) standard deviations higher (eight trials, 415 participants analysed, moderate-quality evidence) in the chlorhexidine mouthrinse group. There was also a large increase in extrinsic tooth staining in participants using chlorhexidine mouthrinse at 7 to 12 weeks and 6 months. Calculus Results for the effect of chlorhexidine mouthrinse on calculus formation were inconclusive. Effect of concentration and frequency of rinsing There were insufficient data to determine whether there was a difference in effect for either chlorhexidine concentration or frequency of rinsing. Other adverse effects The adverse effects most commonly reported in the included studies were taste disturbance/alteration (reported in 11 studies), effects on the oral mucosa including soreness, irritation, mild desquamation and mucosal ulceration/erosions (reported in 13 studies) and a general burning sensation or a burning tongue or both (reported in nine studies).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is high-quality evidence from studies that reported the Löe and Silness Gingival Index of a reduction in gingivitis in individuals with mild gingival inflammation on average (mean score of 1 on the 0 to 3 GI scale) that was not considered to be clinically relevant. There is high-quality evidence of a large reduction in dental plaque with chlorhexidine mouthrinse used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene procedures for 4 to 6 weeks and 6 months. There is no evidence that one concentration of chlorhexidine rinse is more effective than another. There is insufficient evidence to determine the reduction in gingivitis associated with chlorhexidine mouthrinse use in individuals with mean GI scores of 1.1 to 3 indicating moderate or severe levels of gingival inflammation. Rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthrinse for 4 weeks or longer causes extrinsic tooth staining. In addition, other adverse effects such as calculus build up, transient taste disturbance and effects on the oral mucosa were reported in the included studies.

Chlorhexidine mouthwash as an adjunct to mechanical therapy in chronic periodontitis: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Through a systematic literature review, the authors evaluated the use of chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash as an adjunct to mechanical periodontal therapy for chronic periodontitis.

TYPES OF STUDIES REVIEWED

The authors performed a systematic search by using PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus, Scientific Electronic Library Online, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The authors selected randomized controlled clinical trials in which the investigators evaluated the probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) in test groups by using CHX as an adjuvant and in control groups and subject to mechanical periodontal therapy (scaling and root planing [SRP] 4-6 visits or 24 hours).

RESULTS

The literature search resulted in 8 articles, which the authors then assessed for quality. After testing for heterogeneity, the authors performed a meta-analysis only in the SRP group with 4 to 6 visits. Results were positive for both PD and CAL with use of CHX. However, the summary measure was significant (P < .05) only for PD at 40 to 60 days (0.33 millimeters; 95% confidence interval, 0.08 to 0.58 mm) and 180 days (0.24 mm; 95% confidence interval, 0.02 to 0.47 mm) of follow-up, showing positive results for the use of CHX at those times. Although those differences were statistically significant, they could be interpreted as clinically slight.

CONCLUSIONS AND PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

Adjunctive use of CHX mouthrinse with mechanical SRP resulted in slightly greater PD reduction than did SRP alone. Clinicians must consider the small additional gain in PD reduction, negligible effect on CAL, and potential for tooth staining when using CHX as an adjunct to SRP in treating chronic periodontitis.

Photoinactivation Using Visible Light Plus Water-Filtered Infrared-A (vis+wIRA) and Chlorine e6 (Ce6) Eradicates Planktonic Periodontal Pathogens and Subgingival Biofilms

Alternative treatment methods for pathogens and microbial biofilms are required due to the widespread rise in antibiotic resistance. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) has recently gained attention as a novel method to eradicate pathogens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial effects of a novel aPDT method using visible light (vis) and water infiltrated infrared A (wIRA) in combination with chlorine e6 (Ce6) against different periodontal pathogens in planktonic form and within in situ subgingival oral biofilms. Eight different periodontal pathogens were exposed to aPDT using vis+wIRA and 100 μg/ml Ce6 in planktonic culture. Additionally, pooled subgingival dental biofilm was also treated by aPDT and the number of viable cells determined as colony forming units (CFU). Live/dead staining was used in combination with confocal laser scanning microscopy to visualize and quantify antimicrobial effects within the biofilm samples. Untreated negative controls as well as 0.2% chlorhexidine-treated positive controls were used. All eight tested periodontal pathogens including Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Eikenella corrodens, Actinomyces odontolyticus, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Parvimonas micra, Slackia exigua, and Atopobium rimae and the aPDT-treated subgingival biofilm were eliminated over the ranges of 3.43–8.34 and 3.91–4.28 log₁₀ CFU in the log₁₀ scale, respectively. Thus, aPDT showed bactericidal effects on the representative pathogens as well as on the in situ subgingival biofilm. The live/dead staining also revealed a significant reduction (33.45%) of active cells within the aPDT-treated subgingival biofilm. Taking the favorable tissue healing effects of vis+wIRA into consideration, the significant antimicrobial effects revealed in this study highlight the potential of aPDT using this light source in combination with Ce6 as an adjunctive method to treat periodontitis as well as periimplantitis. The present results encourage also the evaluation of this method for the treatment of caries and apical periodontitis.

Mouthwashes in the 21st century: a narrative review about active molecules and effectiveness on the periodontal outcomes

INTRODUCTION

Poor oral hygiene is a major risk factor for oral diseases. Regular home-based care is essential to maintain good oral hygiene. In particular, mouthrinses can support conventional tooth brushing in reducing accumulation of oral plaque. Areas covered: The most common molecules contained in mouthrinses (chlorhexidine, essential oils, cetyl pyridinium chloride, triclosan, octeneidine, delmopinol, polyvinylpyrrolidone, hyaluronic acid, natural compounds) are discussed, together with relevant clinical and in vitro studies, focusing on their effects on periodontal health. Currently, chlorhexidine is the most efficacious compound, with both antiplaque and antibacterial activities. Similar results are reported for essential oils and cetyl pyridinium chloride, although with a somewhat reduced efficacy. Considering the adverse effects of chlorhexidine and its time-related characteristics, this molecule may best be indicated for acute/short-term use, while essential oils and cetyl pyridinium chloride may be appropriate for long-term, maintenance treatment. Expert opinion: The literature has not clearly demonstrated which compound is the best for mouthrinses that combine good efficacy and acceptable side effects. Research should focus on substances with progressive antibacterial activity, prompting a gradual change in the composition of oral biofilm and mouthrinses that combine two or more molecules acting synergistically in the mouth.

European Society for Swallowing Disorders - European Union Geriatric Medicine Society white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia as a geriatric syndrome

This position document has been developed by the Dysphagia Working Group, a committee of members from the European Society for Swallowing Disorders and the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society, and invited experts. It consists of 12 sections that cover all aspects of clinical management of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) related to geriatric medicine and discusses prevalence, quality of life, and legal and ethical issues, as well as health economics and social burden. OD constitutes impaired or uncomfortable transit of food or liquids from the oral cavity to the esophagus, and it is included in the World Health Organization's classification of diseases. It can cause severe complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, respiratory infections, aspiration pneumonia, and increased readmissions, institutionalization, and morbimortality. OD is a prevalent and serious problem among all phenotypes of older patients as oropharyngeal swallow response is impaired in older people and can cause aspiration. Despite its prevalence and severity, OD is still underdiagnosed and untreated in many medical centers. There are several validated clinical and instrumental methods (videofluoroscopy and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) to diagnose OD, and treatment is mainly based on compensatory measures, although new treatments to stimulate the oropharyngeal swallow response are under research. OD matches the definition of a geriatric syndrome as it is highly prevalent among older people, is caused by multiple factors, is associated with several comorbidities and poor prognosis, and needs a multidimensional approach to be treated. OD should be given more importance and attention and thus be included in all standard screening protocols, treated, and regularly monitored to prevent its main complications. More research is needed to develop and standardize new treatments and management protocols for older patients with OD, which is a challenging mission for our societies.

Evaluation of new chlorhexidine- and cetylpyridinium chloride-based mouthrinse formulations adjunctive to scaling and root planing: pilot study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the effect of two newly formulated chlorhexidine (CHX) and cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) mouthrinses after scaling and root planing (SRP) in terms of clinical, microbiological, patient-based variables and adverse events, with a positive control with the same active components, already marketed and tested.

METHODS

A pilot, randomized clinical trial, double-blind, parallel design with 1-month follow-up was conducted. Chronic periodontitis patients requiring non-surgical periodontal therapy were enrolled and randomly assigned to: (i) SRP and test-1 (new reformulation: 0.12% CHX and 0.05% CPC); (ii) SRP and test-2 (new formulation: 0.03% CHX and 0.05% CPC); or (iii) SRP and positive control (commercial product: 0.12% CHX and 0.05% CPC). All variables were evaluated at baseline and 1 month after SRP. Quantitative variables were compared by means of anova or Kruskal-Wallis test and qualitative variables by chi-square or McNemar tests.

RESULTS

Thirty patients (10 per group) were included. After 1 month, there were significant differences among groups in plaque levels (P = 0.016) as test-1 showed less sites with plaque than test-2 (31.15% [standard error-SE 2.21%] versus 49.39% [SE 4.60%), respectively). No significant differences were found for global patient perception of the product or in adverse effects. Test groups showed better results in levels and proportions (P = 0.022) of Capnocytophaga spp.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this pilot study, it can be concluded that the newly formulated 0.12% CHX and 0.05% CPC mouthrinse showed larger plaque level reductions, without showing more adverse effects, when compared to the other two mouthrinses, after SRP.

European Society for Swallowing Disorders - European Union Geriatric Medicine Society white paper: oropharyngeal dysphagia as a geriatric syndrome

This position document has been developed by the Dysphagia Working Group, a committee of members from the European Society for Swallowing Disorders and the European Union Geriatric Medicine Society, and invited experts. It consists of 12 sections that cover all aspects of clinical management of oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) related to geriatric medicine and discusses prevalence, quality of life, and legal and ethical issues, as well as health economics and social burden. OD constitutes impaired or uncomfortable transit of food or liquids from the oral cavity to the esophagus, and it is included in the World Health Organization's classification of diseases. It can cause severe complications such as malnutrition, dehydration, respiratory infections, aspiration pneumonia, and increased readmissions, institutionalization, and morbimortality. OD is a prevalent and serious problem among all phenotypes of older patients as oropharyngeal swallow response is impaired in older people and can cause aspiration. Despite its prevalence and severity, OD is still underdiagnosed and untreated in many medical centers. There are several validated clinical and instrumental methods (videofluoroscopy and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing) to diagnose OD, and treatment is mainly based on compensatory measures, although new treatments to stimulate the oropharyngeal swallow response are under research. OD matches the definition of a geriatric syndrome as it is highly prevalent among older people, is caused by multiple factors, is associated with several comorbidities and poor prognosis, and needs a multidimensional approach to be treated. OD should be given more importance and attention and thus be included in all standard screening protocols, treated, and regularly monitored to prevent its main complications. More research is needed to develop and standardize new treatments and management protocols for older patients with OD, which is a challenging mission for our societies.