Comparative efficacy of topical povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine gel on dental plaque regrowth in toddlers: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare and evaluate the efficacy of topical use of povidone-iodine (PVP-I) solution and chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on dental plaque regrowth after 3 and 7 days in toddlers aged 24-36 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized controlled trial that included 45 healthy toddlers aged 24-36 months, who were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group received a placebo (distilled water (DW)) (negative control). The second group received topical CHX gel (0.2% w/v) (positive control). The third group received topical PVP-I solution (10% w/v). Plaque accumulation was measured at the baseline (t ), after 3 days (t ) and after 7 days (t ) using the Turesky-modified Quigley-Hein plaque index (TMQHPI). Oral hygiene practices were prohibited during the trial period. The trial ID is ACTRN12623000567628.

RESULTS

In the DW group, the mean of the TMQHPI score was 1.89 ± 0.67 at t and decreased to 1.45 ± 0.66 at t (p = .028). Similarly, in the CHX group, the mean of the TMQHPI score was 1.83 ± 1.06 at t and decreased to 1.02 ± 0.99 at t (p = .033). Regarding the PVP-I group, the mean of the TMQHPI score went from 1.84 ± 0.85 to 1.01 ± 0.61 at t and then increased to 1.57 ± 0.74 at t . Those changes were statistically significant (p = .001) and (p = .002), respectively. No statistically significant difference was noted between TMQHPI scores at t (p = .789). Regarding t and t , no statistically significant difference was found between the three groups (p > .05).

CONCLUSION

CHX and PVP-I efficacy lasted only for 3 days, and PVP-I was not superior to CHX in terms of plaque control in toddlers. However, further studies are needed to determine the long-term efficacy of these antiplaque agents in toddlers.