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.