Effectiveness of a Chlorhexidine Rinse in Reducing the Bacterial Population on the Oral Mucosa

It is well documented that 0.12% chlorhexidine is effective in reducing bacterial plaque formation and treating gingival inflammation. The objective of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the effectiveness of a chlorhexidine mouthrinse (Peridex®) in reducing the number of bacteria on the oral mucosa. This data may support the efficatious [sic] use of this drug during wound healing following oral/periodontal surgical procedures. Thirty patients, diagnosed with Type III-IV American Academy of Periodontology Adult Periodontitis, were randomly assigned to either placebo or Peridex® treatment groups. The random assignment was blinded from the patient and the evaluator. The duration of the study was 7 days. Bacterial specimens were collected from the oral mucosa during the initial visit and again 7 days later. Bacteria were cultured aerobically and colonies counted. Both pre-rinse and post-rinse samples were collected. This permitted a quantification of bacterial suppression. The samples were obtained by the same evaluator in a standardized fashion. A multiple analysis of variance was performed to evaluate the separate effects of chlorhexidine, time, and the mechanical effect of rinsing. There was a significant effect of the chlorhexidine rinse over and above the effect of rinsing and time. Peridex® significantly reduced the numbers of cultivable aerobic bacteria on the oral mucosa. The suppression persisted for the 1 week duration of this study. Rinsing alone had no significant effect on numbers of bacteria.