Comparison of a chlorhexidine rinse and a wooden interdental cleaner in reducing interdental gingivitis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an antimicrobial rinse (chlorhexidine) compared to a positive control of mechanical oral hygiene in reducing interdental gingival inflammation. The mechanical group showed a significantly greater reduction in interdental gingivitis as determined by bleeding compared to the chemical rinse. Even though the chemical rinse has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammation on the visible buccal and lingual gingival surfaces, it is significantly less effective than the mechanical device in reducing bleeding in the interdental area.