Comparative efficacy of topical povidone‐iodine and chlorhexidine gel on dental plaque regrowth in toddlers: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare and evaluate the efficacy of topical use of povidone‐iodine (PVP‐I) solution and chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on dental plaque regrowth after 3 and 7 days in toddlers aged 24–36 months. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled trial that included 45 healthy toddlers aged 24–36 months, who were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group received a placebo (distilled water (DW)) (negative control). The second group received topical CHX gel (0.2% w/v) (positive control). The third group received topical PVP‐I solution (10% w/v). Plaque accumulation was measured at the baseline (t(0)), after 3 days (t(1)) and after 7 days (t(2)) using the Turesky‐modified Quigley–Hein plaque index (TMQHPI). Oral hygiene practices were prohibited during the trial period. The trial ID is ACTRN12623000567628. RESULTS: In the DW group, the mean of the TMQHPI score was 1.89 ± 0.67 at t(0) and decreased to 1.45 ± 0.66 at t(1) (p = .028). Similarly, in the CHX group, the mean of the TMQHPI score was 1.83 ± 1.06 at t(0) and decreased to 1.02 ± 0.99 at t(1) (p = .033). Regarding the PVP‐I group, the mean of the TMQHPI score went from 1.84 ± 0.85 to 1.01 ± 0.61 at t(1) and then increased to 1.57 ± 0.74 at t(2). Those changes were statistically significant (p = .001) and (p = .002), respectively. No statistically significant difference was noted between TMQHPI scores at t(0) (p = .789). Regarding t(1) and t(2), no statistically significant difference was found between the three groups (p > .05). CONCLUSION: CHX and PVP‐I efficacy lasted only for 3 days, and PVP‐I was not superior to CHX in terms of plaque control in toddlers. However, further studies are needed to determine the long‐term efficacy of these antiplaque agents in toddlers.