Effect of Sequential Use of 0.2% Chlorhexidine Mouthwash and Listerine on Microbial Plaque Control

Objective: To evaluate the effects of combined and sequential consumption of chlorhexidine and listerine mouthwashes on plaque indices. Material and Methods: Sixteen dental students, both genders, were selected. After prophylaxis, four mouthwash regimens were used, such that in each period, mouthwash was used for 5 days and after each period there was 4 days of washing out. During the mouthwash period, the participants did not use any mechanical plaque control tool. The four regimens included: first regimen, first chlorhexidine then listerine; second regimen, listerine then chlorhexidine; third regimen, only listerine; fourth regimen, chlorhexidine alone. At the end of the period, individuals were evaluated for plaque indices and investigated for bleeding during probing using ANOVA variance analysis and post-hoc Tukey test. The level of significance was set at 5%. Results: Regimen 1 with a plaque mean of 0.55 +/- 0.25 had significantly lower plaque than other regimens. The maximum rate of plaque was observed in regimen 3. Probing did not cause bleeding in any of the individuals who used the four mouthwash regimens. Conclusion: The use of 0.2% chlorhexidine and listerine has the highest effect on plaque reduction.