Effect of chloramine T and chlorhexidine in reducing gingivitis in patients admitted to a reference hospital for cardiopulmonary care: a randomized, controlled clinical trial

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Chloramine T in reducing gingivitis in hospitalized patients, in addition to providing an alternative to the use of Chlorhexidine.

Materials and methods: A randomized, triple-blind, placebo controlled clinical trial was performed with 45 volunteers presenting with gingivitis, using the Löe Gingival Index (LGI). Patients were randomly allocated into one of three groups: (G1): Chloramine T 0.2%; (G2): Chlorhexidine 0.12% and (G3): distilled water.

Results: After five days, the control group (G3) remained without relevant differences in relation to the first pre-treatment assessment, while the groups tested with chlorhexidine and chloramine T showed improvement in the LGI (p < 0.05). After ten days, G3 maintained the results of the previous assessments, G1 repeated the five-day assessment and G2 obtained a statistically significant difference, with a better result in relation to the previous assessment (p < 0.05). After fifteen days, G3 showed no differences in relation to the other assessments, G1 had a statistically significant difference, showing better performance in relation to the previous assessment and G2 continued the gradual improvement it had been showing in the LGI (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Chloramine T and Chlorhexidine present similar results in the treatment of gingivitis, when evaluated by probing by the LGI, and Chloramine T can be used effectively, without causing the adverse effects inherent to prolonged use of chlorhexidine.

Clinical relevance: Importance of oral hygiene for patients admitted to hospitals with the use of adjuvant substances that do not present adverse effects such as chlorhexidine, which is considered the gold standard, seeking to provide better clinical protocols.