The Use of Chlorhexidine in the Management of Gingivitis in Children

Two double-blind studies were conducted in 191 children in Mexico. Following a dental prophylaxis, either a 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse or a placebo was used under supervised conditions in comparable groups twice per day. The chlorhexidine treatments resulted in a significant decrease of gingivitis when compared to the placebo rinse. Although superficial mucosal desquamations were seen in some chlorhexidine users, they were transient and without discomfort. The increase of cosmetic side effects, e.g., dental stain and supragingival calculus, was without consequence to the gingival health of the subjects. The use of a chlorhexidine rinse twice per day and as adjunct to regular oral hygiene procedures achieved a considerable benefit against gingivitis in children in two studies extending over ten and 12 weeks.