Inhibition of experimental caries by plaque prevention. The effect of chlorhexidine mouthrinses.

abstract – The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that a frequent intake of sucrose does not produce caries if the teeth are regularly treated with an antibacterial agent. Twenty-four students with clean teeth and normal gingivae were assigned to one of the following three groups: (1) eight individuals ceased all active oral hygiene measures and rinsed 9 times daily with 50% sucrose, (2) eight students refrained from all active oral hygiene procedures, rinsed 9 times daily with sucrose and twice daily with 10 ml 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, (3) the third group consisted of two subgroups each comprising 4 students. One subgroup ceased all oral hygiene procedures and rinsed twice daily with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate. The other was instructed to practice meticulous tooth brushing twice daily. The experiment lasted for 22 days. The group who rinsed with sucrose showed heavy plaque accumulation, those who rinsed with sucrose + chlorhexidine showed a drastic reduction in the formation of plaque. In the subgroup rinsing with chlorhexidine only and in that performing good oral hygiene, plaque was non-existent. The gingival state essentially paralleled the plaque formation. The sucrose group showed a definite increase in Caries Index. No significant changes occurred in the group rinsing with sucrose + chlorhexidine, with chlorhexidine only, or in the group performing good oral hygiene. It is concluded that prevention of plaque formation inhibits the development of gingivitis and dental caries, even with frequent rinses of sucrose.