Efficacy of chlorhexidine–thymol varnish (Cervitec®) against plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation in a geriatric population

Objectives:  To determine whether the 3-monthly application of chlorhexidine (CHX)–thymol varnish is an effective method of controlling plaque and gingivitis in a group of institutionalised elderly as a complement to their usual oral hygiene practices. Design:  A 6-month double-blind clinical trial. Setting:  Two residential homes in Almeria (Spain). Participants:  Fifty-six dentate subjects aged above 64 years who completed the 6-month study. Intervention:  The study subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups (Cervitec® or placebo). Varnishes were applied twice in the first week of the study and were applied again a month later and every 3 months until the end of the study. The patients continued with their usual oral hygiene practices throughout the study. Measurement:  Plaque index and gingival index scores were determined at baseline and after 1, 3 and 6 months. Results:  Treatment with Cervitec® varnish had a statistically significant effect overtime on the gingival index score (p = 0.029), but not on the plaque index score (p = 0.651). The groups did not significantly differ in reductions in plaque or gingival index scores between baseline and 1, 3 or 6 months. Conclusion:  According to these results, Cervitec®, a CHX–thymol varnish, does not appear to reduce plaque and gingivitis by a 3-monthly application in the institutionalised elderly with poor oral hygiene. Wider studies are required to investigate different varnishing protocols in geriatric populations.