The effect of a 1% chlorhexidine gel in the initial therapy of chronic periodontal disease.

Thirty patients took part in a 4 week 'double-blind' clinical trial. Following initial oral hygiene instruction and scaling, half the patients were instructed to brush with a 1% Chlorhexidine gel in the evenings, the other half to use placebo. A standard dentifrice was used in the morning. In both groups there was a marked improvement in all parameters recorded, and although final plaque scores showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the test group, there was virtually no difference in rate or degree of resolution of gingivitis. The use of standard dentifrice was only partially successful in preventing staining.