Evaluation of new Seawater-based Mouth Rinse Versus Chlorhexidine 0.2% Reducing Plaque and Gingivitis Indexes. A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

For a long time, Chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) has been considered the most used mouth-rinse for reducing plaque and gingivitis. Sea4® Encias is a new seawater-based mouth rinse with a similar action to CHX. Its prolonged use produces fewer side effects. This study compared the effects of two oral rinses: Chlorhexidine 0.20% and Sea 4® Encias (seawater) for reducing plaque and gingivitis indices. This double-blind crossover study recruited and monitored 93 volunteer dental students, hygienists and doctors from the Universidad Catolica de Murcia (UCAM), for 1 month, and compared the efficacy of Chlorhexidine 0.20% (Group A); Sea4® Encias (Group B); and a placebo saline solution (Group C) mouth-rinses for reducing plaque and gingivitis indices. Plaque and gingival inflammation (Loe and Silness test) were evaluated at baseline and after each study stage. Group A reduced plaque growth and gingivitis significantly compared with Groups B and C; Group B was more effective than Group C. The mean P.I. decreased similarly in groups A and B. However, Group A showed the statistically significant value compared with other groups. Group A and group B, showed greater reduction in Gingival Indexes compared with group C. The Sea4 mouthwash showed better inhibitory activity on plaque (1.32 ± 0.22) compared with CHX (1.97 ± 0.34) and saline (2.78 ± 0.11). Sea4 Encias and Chlorhexidine 0.20% mouth-rinses significantly reduce plaque growth and G.I. compared with saline mouth-rinse; Sea4 Encias mouth-rinse is more effective against plaque regrowth than Chlorhexidine in this pilot study.