The use of 0.2% chlorhexidine spray as an adjunct to oral hygiene and gingival health in physically and mentally handicapped adults.

Chlorhexidine has been used as an aid to or replacement for oral hygiene measures in special needs groups such as the handicapped. Previous studies have indicated that spray delivery of chlorhexidine is both effective and acceptable. This study evaluated twice daily use of a 0.2% chlorhexidine spray as an adjunct to toothbrushing in a group of physically and mentally handicapped adults attending a day training center. The study was a double-blind, placebo controlled, cross-over design involving two 31 days regimens separated by 30 days. Plaque, bleeding on probing, and pocketing were measured at the beginning and end of each regimen. There were clinically and statistically significantly lower plaque and bleeding scores at the end of the chlorhexidine compared to the placebo period. Pocketing was also significantly less after chlorhexidine, although in clinical terms the difference was small. The apparent acceptability and effectiveness of the regimen suggests that small doses of chlorhexidine delivered by sprays may be of considerable value as an aid to oral hygiene in handicapped individuals.