Journal of Dental Research, Vol 72, 1194-1197, Copyright © 1993 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
Long-term effects of Meridol and chlorhexidine mouthrinses on plaque, gingivitis, staining, and bacterial vitality
M. Brecx, L. L. Macdonald, K. Legary, M. Cheang and M. G. Forgay
Faculty of Dentistry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
The aim of the present study was to compare the effect on plaque growth and
gingival response of Meridol, an amine/stannous fluoride solution, during a
three-month investigation, with those of a placebo preparation as a
negative control and a chlorhexidine solution as a positive control, in a
double-blind study. After having their teeth professionally cleaned, 36
volunteers continued their usual oral hygiene for a period of two weeks.
Their teeth were then polished again (month 0) after which they rinsed
twice daily (morning and evening) with one of the three mouthrinses in
addition to their habitual toothcleaning. After three months of rinsing,
plaque indices remained lowest in the chlorhexidine group, although the
subjects using Meridol had indices significantly lower than those of
individuals rinsing with the placebo solution. The gingival index scores in
the Meridol group were higher than in the chlorhexidine group and lower
than in the placebo group. The plaque vitality scores showed a bactericidal
effect in vivo with chlorhexidine and Meridol during the entire experiment.
The use of Meridol resulted in more toothstaining than with the placebo,
but significantly less than with chlorhexidine. This study demonstrated
that Meridol reduced plaque accumulation, retarded gingivitis development,
possessed a definite bactericidal action, and produced only slight
toothstaining.
