Clinical study to compare the effect of stannous fluoride and chlorhexidine mouthrinses on plaque formation.

A clinical study was conducted on four adults to compare the relative efficacy of 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate and 0.1% stannous fluoride (SnF2). Using a crossover experimental design, subjects rinsed twice daily for 5 days with SnF2 and then, after a 2-day interim recovery period, for 5 days with chlorhexidine. Statistically significant differences (P less than 0.05) in the relative efficacy of the two agents were found. Chlorhexidine was more effective in reducing Gingival and Plaque Indices, plaque wet weight and bacterial Colony Forming Units, calculated both per subject and per group.