Comparative Evaluation of 0.1% Octenidine Mouthwash with 0.2% Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in Prevention of Plaque and Gingivitis – A Clinicomicrobiological Study

Abstract

Background: Our study aimed to assess the efficacy of 0.1% Octenidine mouthwash as an anti-plaque agent and to assess its effect on gingival inflammation and staining of teeth when compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate by evaluating the impact on plaque and gingival inflammation as well as on microbial load. Materials and Methods: A three week double blind study was conducted on 69 subjects, aged 20-50 years, with moderate to severe gingivitis. The study population was divided into three groups with 23 subjects in each group: Group A - control subjects received only scaling, Group B received 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate in addition to scaling and Group C received 0.1% Octenidine mouthwash along with scaling. Clinical and microbiological parameters were recorded at baseline, on 14th day and on 21st day. Subjective and objective criteria were assessed on the 14th day and 21st day. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in all the tested parameters within all the three groups and between the groups from baseline to 21st day. The highest mean reduction in all the parameters was seen in subjects using 0.1% Octenidine. On comparison with the control group, subjects using the mouthwashes (Group B and Group C) had better improvement in clinical and microbiological parameters from baseline to 21st day. On comparison with chlorhexidine, Octenidine mouthwash significantly reduced plaque (p<0.05) and showed better patient acceptability. However, it was comparable to chlorhexidine in other two tested parameters. Conclusion: Owing to Octenidine’s pronounced and comparable antibacterial properties, it can be a promising candidate for the use in antiseptic mouthwashes.