The effect of an antimicrobial mouthrinse on early healing of gingival flap surgery wounds.

A randomized double-blind crossover design study using 25 patients requiring bilateral gingival flap surgery was completed. The effect of rinsing postsurgically three times daily with an antimicrobial mouthrinse or physiological saline on dental plaque formation, gingival inflammation, bleeding, wound healing, and patient comfort was evaluated at 7, 14 and 28 days. The antimicrobial rinse was statistically significantly 28.9% more effective than saline at seven days for reducing plaque. It was also significantly more effective for improving wound healing at day 7 as measured by edema (p less than 0.04). There were no significant differences in gingival index scores or bleeding at any time period. Use of an antimicrobial mouthrinse may be an effective aid in early healing of gingival flap surgery wounds.