Comparison of the bisbiguanide antiseptics alexidine and chlorhexidine. I. Effect on plaque accumulation and salivary bacteria.

A blind crossover trial was carried out to compare the effects of a 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse and a 0.035% alexidine mouthrinse on plaque accumulation and salivary bacteria in a group of volunteers. The subjects refrained from all forms of oral hygiene during two 10-day periods and rinsed twice a day with the mouthwash randomly allocated to the respective period. Prerinse, day 4 and day 10 total salivary aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts were determined during each period. Plaque scores were recorded at the end of each 10-day period. Significantly more plaque accumulated in subjects rinsing with alexidine when compared with chlorhexidine. Significant and comparable reductions in salivary bacterial counts were observed with both chlorhexidine and alexidine on day 4 and day 10 when compared with pre-rinse counts. Although at the concentrations used alexidine was less effective than chlorhexidine, it may be of value as a short-term adjunct to oral hygiene.