Comparison between amine fluoride and chlorhexidine with institutionalized elders: a pilot study.

Objective: Compare the efficacy of amine fluoride toothpaste and gel with chlorhexidine spray in an institutionalised population.

Background: People who live in nursing homes have poorer oral hygiene because of their dependency for the basic activities of daily living as they rely on caregivers.

Methods: Twenty-six people over 65 years old who had at least four teeth and living in a nursing home. They were assigned to three groups: A: amine fluoride toothpaste and once a week amine fluoride gel (Elmex(®) ), B: 0.12% spray-chlorhexidine once a day (Perio-Aid(®) ) and C: brush teeth without toothpaste. The plaque and gingival index of Silness and Löe, General Oral Health Assessment Index, McLeran and Pfeiffer index were recorded, and the number of colonies of Streptoccocus mutans and Lactobacillus and the remineralisation of caries were evaluated using Diagnodent(®). Measurements were taken at the beginning of the study and after 6 months.

Results:   Twenty-two people finished the study. No group showed a statistical difference in the plaque or gingival index, but there was a tendency to show improvement in the amine fluoride group. There was also no difference between the number of colonies of either S. mutans or lactobacillus. There was a significant difference between the plaque and gingival index and the cognitive status (p=0.0054), along with their requirement for assistance to perform good oral hygiene (p=0.0001). Both products remineralised the carious lesions in this period compared with the control group (p=0.0151).

Conclusion: The plaque and gingival indices did not improve during the study, but both products remineralised the previous caries lesions.