comparative study of 0.2% and 0.12% digluconate chlorhexidine mouth rinses on the level of dental staining and gingival indices

background: chlorhexidine (chx) as a gold standard chemical agent appears to be the most effective antimicrobial agent for reduction of both plaque and gingivitis. the aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of two concentrations of digluconate chlorhexidine (chx) solutions (0.12% and 0.20%) on gingival indices and the level of dental staining during 14 days. materials and methods: in this double-blind controlled clinical trial study 60 patients with moderate to severe gingivitis aged 17–56 years were randomly selected and divided to three groups: group i (placebo) group ii (0.12% chx), and group iii (0.2% chx). patients rinsed their mouthwashes twice a day after brushing. before the examination and after 14 days plaque index, gingival index, bleeding index, and stain index were evaluated. the data were analyzed by “mann– whitney” test and p value was 0.05. results: the results showed that plaque index and gingival index significantly reduced in groups ii and iii in comparison with the placebo group (p < 0.0001). however, the two concentrations did not differ significantly from each other (p = 0.552). same results were observed in term of gingival bleeding index with this different that 0.2% chx was significantly more efficient than 0.12% chx (p < 0.0001). chx mouthrinse, both concentrations, significantly increased the dental staining level (intensity and area) in comparison with the placebo group. remarkable difference also was seen between 2 chx concentrations so that the 0.2% chx caused much more staining on the teeth than 0.12% chx. conclusion: based on the results of this study we can conclude that the lower concentrations of chx should be prescribed, decreasing side effects, since higher concentrations do not seem to be more effective in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis. key words: chlorhexidine, periodontal index, staining