Comparison of intraoral distribution of two commercially available chlorhexidine mouthrinses with and without alcohol at three different rinsing periods

OBJECTIVES: This study compared the intraoral distribution of 0.1% chlorhexidine with alcohol (CHX+Alc) and 0.2% chlorhexidine without alcohol (CHX-Alc) with shorter rinsing times (10s,20s,30s) following a 72h non brushing period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a single blind, randomized two group parallel experiment with a total of 30(15male,15 female) dental students. To disclose the plaque, erythrosine-containing disclosing agent was added to both the mouthrinses. Group I (0.1% CHX+Alc) & Group II (0.2% CHX-Alc) were asked to rinse with respective mouthrinse for cumulative periods of 10,20 and 30s, following which plaque was scored. RESULTS: In Group I, comparison between 10&20, 10&30s was statistically significant but no significance was observed between 20&30s, whereas in Group II, comparison between all the time points were statistically significant. On comparison of plaque scores, plaque scores of both the groups at 10 & 30s sec, show no statistical significance but at 20 seconds was significant (P<0.001). The mean plaque scores of lingual surfaces were lesser in group II whereas in group I lingual surfaces recorded more plaque than the vestibular surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that rinsing for 30 seconds with 0.2% CHX-Alc (Rexidin) is enough for intraoral spread of the mouthrinse whereas rinsing with 0.1% CHX+Alc(Eludril) for achieves the same in 20 seconds, for effective plaque inhibition, both of which will have a positive influence on patient compliance.