Meta-analyses of studies of 0.2% delmopinol mouth rinse as an adjunct to gingival health and plaque control measures.

Background: Delmopinol is a third-generation anti-plaque agent used as a mouthwash to reduce plaque and alleviate gingivitis.

Objective: To create an overview of the anti-plaque efficacy of 0.2% delmopinol as an adjunct to normal oral hygiene measures by meta-analysis of completed clinical trials.

Materials And Methods: Eight double-blind, parallel-group studies were identified. Study durations ranged from 8 to 24 weeks. Five studies (n=913) involved supervised rinsing; three studies (n=467) involved unsupervised rinsing. These sets of trials were analysed separately and in combination. Efficacy outcomes comprised modified plaque index, modified gingival index (MGI) and gingival bleeding on probing (BOP).

Results: Delmopinol 0.2% was superior to placebo for the reduction of plaque scores in both sets of studies. Effects on MGI and BOP were also better with delmopinol 0.2% than with placebo. In most instances, 95% confidence intervals were wholly in favour of delmopinol. Pooled analysis of all eight studies confirmed statistically significant effects of delmopinol 0.2% compared with placebo (p<0.00001). Delmopinol met the efficacy criteria of the American Dental Association in studies of extended duration.

Conclusion: Delmopinol 0.2% mouthwash is effective as an adjunct measure for reducing plaque burden and indices of gingivitis, whether or not it is used under supervision.