Comparative Study of 0.12% and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Digluconate Mouthwashes on Dental Stains and Gingival Indices

🔹 Background: Chlorhexidine (CHX) is one of the most effective antimicrobial agents for reducing plaque and gingival inflammation, but it causes side effects such as tooth discoloration. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two concentrations of 0.12% and 0.2% chlorhexidine on gingival indices and tooth staining over 14 days.

🔹 Methodology: 60 patients with moderate to severe gingivitis were randomly divided into three groups:

• Placebo group • 0.12% CHX mouthwash group • 0.2% CHX mouthwash group

Each patient used the mouthwash twice daily after brushing. Plaque index, gingival index, bleeding index, and stain index were examined before and after 14 days.

🔹 Findings:

• Both CHX concentrations significantly reduced plaque and gingival inflammation compared to placebo. • There was no difference between 0.12% and 0.2% in reducing plaque and gingival index. • In reducing gingival bleeding, 0.2% concentration was more effective than 0.12%. • Both concentrations caused a significant increase in tooth staining, but 0.2% created significantly more stains.

🔹 Conclusion: Since the higher concentration (0.2%) did not show superiority over the lower concentration (0.12%) in controlling plaque and inflammation, but created more stains, it is recommended to use lower concentrations of chlorhexidine to maintain effectiveness while reducing side effects.