Comparative assessment of periodontal status and genotoxicity in orthodontic patients on fixed mechanotherapy with and without adjunct chlorhexidine mouthrinse: A randomized control clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Adjunct chlorhexidine mouthrinse is used routinely in orthodontic clinical practice for plaque control. However, chlorhexidine has genotoxic effects on the oral cells. Moreover, orthodontic appliance leach Ni, Cr metals ions into saliva causing toxicity of surrounding mucosa. Hence, the aim of the study was to assess the periodontal status and genotoxicity in orthodontic patients on fixed mechanotherapy with and without adjunct chlorhexidine using micronucleus (MN) test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized control clinical trial was conducted in 30 patients who were on fixed mechanotherapy. The patients were randomly assigned into two treatment groups; Group-A (Control Group): Included 15 patients who are on fixed orthodontic therapy with mechanical plaque control measures only., Group-B (Experimental Group:) included 15 patients on fixed orthodontic therapy with mechanical plaque control and adjunct chlorhexidine mouthrinse (0.2%) for 2 weeks. Periodontal status and genotoxicity using MN test were done at following time points; T0: Just before start of the orthodontic treatment., T1: 2 weeks after start of the orthodontic treatment., T2: 6 weeks after start of the orthodontic treatment., T3: 12 weeks after start of the orthodontic treatment. RESULTS: Plaque index (PI) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were significantly decreased in Group B as compared to Group A in the time intervals; T0-T2, T0-T3, T1-T3 (P < 0.05). Probing pocket depth (PPD) and Clinical attachment level (CAL) showed no significant change in both the groups. The genotoxicity assessed by MN test was significantly increased in Group B than Group A at time intervals; T0-T1, T0-T2 and T0-T3. CONCLUSION: Adjunct chlorhexidine resulted in decreased PI and BOP scores but nonsignificant change in PPD and CAL. However, the genotoxicity increased significantly in both the groups but more with adjunct chlorhexidine.