Comparison of the side effects of two common Iranian-made chlorhexidine mouthwashes

Although chlorhexidine has better clinical and antimicrobial properties with less toxicity, it also has some side effects, limiting its application. The aim of the present study was to compare the side effects of two chlorhexidine mouthwashes made in Iran with two different concentrations of 0.12% and 0.2%. In this clinical trial, thirty patients with gingivitis or mild periodontitis were randomly selected. For all the subjects full prophylactic procedures were carried out, including the removal of plaque and germ and elimination of extrinsic stains. Then each subject in each group was asked to use 0.12% or 0.2% chlorhexidine twice a day for 14 days. Staining indexes, changes in taste, mucosal sensitivity and mouthwash taste were evaluated. The subjects did not use any mouthwashes for two weeks thereafter. This process was repeated with the other mouthwash after prophylaxis. Finally, data was analyzed with Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests using SPSS software (α = 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between staining indexes in terms of extent and intensity between the two concentrations of chlorhexidine (p value > 0.05). Mucosal sensitivity and changes in taste were higher in 0.2% chlorhexidine compared to 0.12% chlorhexidine (p value < 0.05). The taste of 0.12% chlorhexidine was more acceptable and better than 0.2% chlorhexidine (p value < 0.05). Under the limitations of the present study, it was concluded that there are no significant differences in the side effects of the two mouthwashes under study.