Original Research Article http://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijohd.2019.022 International Journal of Oral Health Dentistry, April-June, 2019;5(2):97-103 97 Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of Chlorohexidine mouthwash as a supplement to regular tooth brushing Kirandeep Kour 1 , Sandeep Kaur 2* , Prashant Singh 3 1 Senior Lecturer, 2 Lecturer, 3 Reader, 1,3 Dept. of Periodontology, 2 Dept. of Oral Medicine & Radiology, 1,3 Institute of Dental Sciences, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, 2 Indira Gandhi Government Dental College & Hospital, Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir, India *Corresponding Author: Sandeep Kaur Email: dr.sandeepkour@gmail.com Abstract Introduction: Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash has earned eponym of gold standard to treat and/or prevent periodontal disease. The present study was carried out with an aim to evaluate the efficacy of CHX mouthwash as a supplement to regular toothbrushing. Materials and Methods: The present study was carried out in 40 patients to evaluate CHX mouth rinses i.e Chlorhexidine gluconate (Vyrex Mouthwash (0.2% w/v), as a supplement to regular tooth brushing on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation in chronic generalized gingivitis patients in gingival inflammation, taste alteration & gingival score were evaluate at 14, 21 & 28 day. Results: No statistical significant difference was observed in two groups with respect to gingival inflammation, plaque accumulation, taste alteration & gingival score. Conclusion: However, Chlorohexdine & Toothbrushing significantly reduced plaque growth & gingivitis, but chlorohexdine was more effective against plaque regrowth. 0.2% Chlorhexidine remains the gold standard as an antimicrobial agent. Keywords: Plaque, Gingival inflammation, Chlorohexidine, Toothbrushing. Introduction It is believed that dental plaque is the main etiological factor that causes caries, gingivitis and periodontal disease. 1 A direct relationship has been demonstrated between plaque levels and the severity of gingivitis. According to WHO (1978) Dental plaque is defined as a specific but highly variable structural entity resulting from sequential colonization of micro-organisms on tooth surfaces, restorations and other parts of oral cavity which consists of salivary components like mucin, desquamated epithelial cells, debris and microorganisms all embedded in a gelatinous extracellular matrix. 2 Mouthwashes have the ability to deliver therapeutic ingredients to all accessible surfaces of mouth including interproximal surfaces and remain effective for extended period of time depending on their composition (substantivity). The various chemical agents used in different type of commerically available mouthwashes are bisbiguanide (Chlorhexidine), essential oil (Listerine™) phenolic compounds (Triclosan), pyrimidines (Floxuridine), quaternary ammonium compounds (Cetylpyridium chloride), oxygenating agents (Hydrogen peroxide), halogen (Amine fluoride), heavy metal salts (Zinc). The various mechanical plaque control methods include toothbrushing with a dentifrice, dental floss, interdental aids and tongue cleaning. 10 Mechanical plaque control by a toothbrush is the most dependable oral hygiene measure. Brushing twice a day with a toothpaste is the current clinical recommendation. Toothpastes may be fluoridated or natural toothpastes without triclosan or fluoride, containing natural ingredients such as special mineral salts (sodium fluoride and sodium chloride), and plant extracts (lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary, chamomile, sage and myrrh). The purpose of oral hygiene using toothpaste is to reduce oral bacterial flora. Mouth bacteria have been linked to plaque, tooth decay and toothache. 11 During toothbrushing, the removal of dental plaque is achieved primarily through direct contact between the filaments of the toothbrush and the surfaces of the teeth and soft tissues. 12 Regular mechanical tooth cleaning is directed towards maintaining a level of plaque quantitatively and/ qualitatively which is compatible with gingival health, and not rendering the tooth surface bacteria free. Limitations of tooth-brushing include lack of dexterity, difficult access and individual differences to clean specific areas of the mouth. 13 Materials and Methods The study was carried out in 40 BDS students of Institute of Dental Studies & Technologies Technologies, Kadrabad, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh according to following Inclusion criteria & Exclusion criteria: Inclusion Criteria 1. Both sexes diagnosed with chronic generalized gingivitis, with presence of ≥ 20 teeth with clinical signs of inflammation confined to gingiva only. 2. Teeth showing no attachment loss. 3. Bleeding on probing in ≥ 20% teeth. Exclusion Criteria 1. Patients on medications influencing gingival tissues. 2. Patients suffering from any systemic disease. 3. Pregnant or lactating woman. 4. Patient who have undergone any periodontal therapy in last 6 months. 5. Smokers Treatment Protocol Screening of the Volunteers was done according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The treatment protocol was explained to all the patients and a written informed consent