Therapeutic effects of daily or weekly chlorhexidine rinsing on oral health of a geriatric population.

The effects of a chlorhexidine rinse on salivary Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, and Candida albicans counts and on periodontal conditions (gingival index, plaque index, pocket depths) were studied in 42 elderly subjects. Under supervision, they rinsed either daily or weekly for 6 weeks with a 0.12% chlorhexidine solution (Peridex). Saliva samples were taken for chemical and microbiologic examinations, and periodontal conditions were assessed at baseline, week 6, and 6 weeks after final rinse. Significantly lower S. mutans counts were found at week 6 for both rinsing groups (p less than 0.001). Lactobacillus and Candida counts were also generally lower at week 6, with the clearest improvement among persons with the highest counts of bacteria and yeast. Periodontal conditions were improved at week 6 (p less than 0.001) in both groups. Such improvements were not maintained 6 weeks after the rinsing regimen was completed. At baseline poor oral conditions were noticed, which placed most of the subjects at risk for tooth decay and periodontal disease. Without any other dental procedures but daily or weekly supervised rinsing, oral conditions were improved and this risk was reduced. Daily rinsing was not superior to weekly rinsing with 0.12% chlorhexidine.