The antiplaque and bleeding control effects of a cetylpyridinium chloride and tranexamic acid mouth rinse in patients with gingivitis

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and tranexamic acid (TXA) mouth rinse on patients with gingivitis. METHODS: This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, parallel-group, clinical trial included 45 healthy adults with gingivitis, who were randomized into 2 groups. The experimental group used a 0.05% CPC and 0.05% TXA mouth rinse, and the control group used a placebo mouth rinse. The following clinical indices were assessed at baseline, at 3 weeks, and at 6 weeks: the Turesky-Quigley-Hein plaque index (QHI), the Loe-Silness gingival index (GI), and bleeding on marginal probing (BOMP). The subjects used the mouth rinse during the experimental period for 20 seconds, 4-5 times daily (10 mL each time). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the clinical indices between the groups at baseline. In the experimental group (CPC+TXA), a statistically significant improvement was evident in the QHI, GI, and BOMP at 3 and 6 weeks. These results were similar to those observed in the control group at 3 and 6 weeks, although the change in BOMP was not statistically significant in that group. At 6 weeks, the experimental group had a significantly lower mean score for the QHI than the control group. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that a CPC and TXA mouth rinse exhibited significant antiplaque and anti-gingivitis efficacy, and had a positive effect on bleeding control when used daily for 6 weeks.