A comparative evaluation of antiplaque and antigingivitis effect of mouth rinse containing 0.05% sodium hypochlorite – A clinical trial

Introduction: As we know it is difficult to remove plaque on all surfaces with the help of mechanical plaque control agents alone, hence there is need for chemical plaque control as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control methods. Unfortunately in low-income individuals who are unable to afford dental self-care products and thus research is required to provide efficacious and low cost plaque control agent. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 0.05% sodium hypochlorite mouthwash on supragingival biofilm and gingival inflammation and compare its effects with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash. Material and Methods: A total of 30 patients with gingivitis were be selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and allocated randomly to three groups containing 10 patients each. At the baseline visit all the patients will received full mouth scaling and will be advised to rinse twice daily with distilled water in group 1, 0.2% chlorhexidine in group 2 and 0.05% sodium hypochlorite mouthwash in group 3 for 21 days. Clinical parameters such as plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing were assessed at various intervals. Results: At the day 21the average plaque index in increased to 1.19 water rinse group and to 0.22 in the chlorhexidine group, and 0.61 in the sodium hypochlorite group. Average loe and sillness gingival index had decreased to 0.894 in the water rinse group and to 0.066 in the chlorhexidine group, and to 0.24 in the sodium hypochlorite rinse group. And the average percentage of bleeding on probing had decreased to 66.3% in the water rinse group, and to 41.07% in the chlorhexidine group and to 56.7% in the sodium hypochlorite rinse group. Differences were statistically significant compared to water group. Conclusion: Dilute sodium hypochlorite resulted in significant reductions in gingival inflammation and supragingival biofilm accumulation. Dilute sodium hypochlorite may represent an efficacious, safe and affordable antimicrobial agent in the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease.