ABSTRACT
AIMS: Oral hygiene is key to prevent periodontal disease (PD). The efficacy of chlorhexidine-containing products has been largely proven, often being tooth discoloration an unwanted associated side-effect. Importantly, some differences related to the pharmaceutical presentation of these products have also been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two different pharmaceutical forms [toothpaste (TP) and mouthwash (MW)] of a new product containing chlorhexidine, dexpanthenol, allantoin and bioadhesive excipient (CDAB) (Bexident® Gums Coadjuvant Treatment) on volunteers with PD. Their preferences, acceptability and cosmetic properties, as well as tooth discoloration, were also assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 60 subjects showing mild-moderate symptoms of gingivitis were randomly assigned to two different groups: one receiving TP (n = 30) and the other one receiving MW (n = 30). Periodontal disease index (PDI) was used to evaluate clinical signs at baseline (T0) and after 21 days (T21) of daily use of the products. Satisfaction was assessed through the affirmative/negative answers obtained with the visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: All participants completed the study. A significant improvement of PDI score after treatment was reported in both groups (T21/T0) (p < 0.001). Thus, gingivitis improved from moderate to negative [increase = 20.0% (TP)/36.7% (MW)] and from mild to negative [increase = 56.7% (TP)/50.0% (MW)]. After treatment, all subjects reported to have healthier and/or less bleeding teeth (TP 9.0/9.4; MW 8.0/8.2) and would recommend the product (TP:100%/MW:96.6%) with no specific preference regarding its presentation. No change of teeth color was observed. CONCLUSION: Subjects with PD who received oral care with a new formulation of either chlorhexidine-containing TP or MW for 21 days, reported a significant improvement of their symptoms and resolution of the gingivitis with no associated tooth discoloration. Patients did not show a specific preference for any of the pharmaceutical presentations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This new formulation of a chlorhexidine-containing product in both TP and MW forms resulted effective for PD treatment and well accepted by the patients.