Background
The authors of this study aimed to evaluate the clinical antiplaque and antigingivitis
effects of 3 oral hygiene regimens: toothbrushing with standard fluoride toothpaste
and manual toothbrush and using a mouthrinse containing cetylpyridinium chloride,
zinc lactate, and fluoride (CPC + Zn + F) in an alcohol-free base; toothbrushing with
standard fluoride toothpaste and manual toothbrush and using a mouthrinse containing
essential oils (EO) in an alcohol-free base; and toothbrushing with manual toothbrush
and standard fluoride toothpaste and manual toothbrush (control).
Methods
The participants (N = 120) were randomly assigned to study groups and followed the
assigned regimens twice daily for 6 weeks. The participants were examined by a calibrated
examiner for the Quigley-Hein plaque index (Turesky modification) and Löe-Silness
gingival index at baseline, week 4, and week 6. Statistical analyses were performed
separately for plaque and gingival indexes by means of analysis of variance, paired
t test, and analysis of covariance (α = 0.05).
Results
At week 4, the CPC + Zn + F group presented additional reductions in dental plaque
compared with EO and control groups of (21.4% [
P < .001] and 31.4% [
P < .001], respectively). After 6 weeks, these values were 26.7% (
P < .001) and 44.8% (
P < .001), respectively. For Löe-Silness gingival index, additional reduction in the
CPC + Zn + F group compared with EO were 10.6% (
P < .001) and 13.7% (
P < .001) at 4 and 6 weeks, respectively. Compared with control, these reductions were
13.6% (
P < .001) and 17.8% (
P < .001), respectively.
Conclusions
The regimen including a mouthrinse containing CPC + Zn + F presented higher antiplaque
and antigingivitis effects than EO and control regimens.
Practical Implications
A mouthrinse containing CPC + Zn + F is an effective protocol for the control of dental
plaque and gingivitis.
