Efficacy of a 2% Chlorhexidine‐Impregnated Dental Floss in Adults With Gingivitis: A Randomised Clinical Trial

Objective This study aimed to assess the antigingivitis and antiplaque efficacy of a 2% chlorhexidine (CHX)‐impregnated dental floss in adults with gingivitis. Methods This randomised clinical study included 42 patients diagnosed with gingivitis. They were randomly allocated into three groups: no interdental cleaning (NIC) group, which did not use any interdental cleaning device; dental floss (DF) group, individuals who used unwaxed dental floss without impregnation; and dental floss+CHX (DF + CHX) group, those who used the same dental floss, but with 2% CHX digluconate impregnation. A manual toothbrush and fluoride dentifrice were provided for all groups. Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) and Quigley‐Hein modified by Turesky plaque index (PI) were assessed by the same trained and calibrated examiner. Individuals were evaluated after 4‐ and 6‐week. Taste preference was also evaluated at 6‐week of follow‐up. Groups were compared with the Kruskal‐Wallis test using α < 5%. Results Thirty‐eight patients completed the study. To both outcomes, no statistically significant differences among groups were observed regardless of the follow‐up ( p > 0.05). However, within groups showed that all groups presented a significantly reduction of GBI and PI ( p < 0.05). Regarding taste preference, no significant differences among groups were detected ( p > 0.05). Conclusion The use of dental floss impregnated with 2% chlorhexidine did not present additional antigingivitis and antiplaque efficacy over 6 weeks of follow‐up.