Efficacy of a dentifrice and oral rinse containing sanguinaria extract in conjunction with initial periodontal therapy.

In the treatment of periodontal disease initial therapy aims at reducing marginal inflammation so allowing assessment of residual disease and further treatment options. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the use of a dentifrice and oral rinse containing sanguinaria extract led to a more rapid resolution of gingival inflammation following initial therapy. Thirty-four subjects, randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups, took part in this randomized double-blind parallel study. All subjects received initial therapy including oral hygiene instruction and scaling and root planing as required. One group also received an active dentifrice and oral rinse containing sanguinaria extract (an antiplaque agent) and zinc chloride. The other group received a placebo dentifrice and oral rinse. The gingival index (GI), plaque index (PLI) and probing pocket depths (PD) were recorded at six sites per tooth at baseline, two weeks after initial therapy and six weeks after initial therapy. There was no significant difference between the groups for any of the parameters at the baseline examination. Two weeks following initial therapy both groups showed a statistically significant increase in the number of sites with PLI of 0 or 1 (p < 0.0001) and a statistically significant increase in the number of sites with a GI of 0 or 1 (that is, no bleeding on probing), (p < 0.0001). Also there was a statistically significant increase in the number of sites with probing depths < or = 3 mm (p < 0.0001) compared with baseline. These changes were maintained through to six weeks post therapy. There was no significant advantage to the sanguinaria group. Results demonstrate that initial therapy in the form of oral hygiene instruction, scaling and root planing leads to a significant improvement in periodontal status which is maintained at least in the short term. Further, use of a dentifrice and oral rinse containing sanguinaria did not improve the efficacy of initial therapy.