Comparative Effects of Kemphor and Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes on Tooth Staining and Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Clinical Trial

Objectives: Considering the side effects of chlorhexidine (CHX), which is currently the gold-standard antimicrobial mouthwash, this study aimed to compare the effects of Green Kemphor and CHX mouthwashes on tooth staining and gingivitis. Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled crossover clinical trial evaluated 38 patients requiring CHX mouthwash following oral surgery and periodontal therapy. The patients were randomly assigned to CHX and Kemphor groups (n=19). In CHX group, patients used CHX mouthwash in the first 2 weeks, and after a 4-day washout period, they used Kemphor mouthwash for 2 weeks. This order was reverse in the Kemphor group. Gingivitis was evaluated using the Silness and Loe gingival index (GI), and tooth staining was evaluated by the Lobene index at 0 (baseline), 2 and 4 weeks. Data were analyzed by paired t-test. Results: CHX mouthwash significantly decreased the GI and increased tooth staining (gingival stains, body stains, and stain extent) at 2 weeks (P<0.05). Kemphor mouthwash significantly decreased the GI and increased tooth staining after 2 weeks (P<0.05). The GI in Kemphor group was significantly lower than that in CHX group at 4 weeks (P<0.05). Also, the tooth staining parameters in the Kemphor group were significantly lower than the corresponding values in the CHX group at 2 and 4 weeks (P<0.05). Conclusion: Kemphor had higher efficacy for reduction of GI and caused less tooth staining than CHX; thus, it may be recommended for use as an alternative to CHX.