# Feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of non-invasive application of chlorhexidine dental coating for seniors in the community: a randomized controlled study

## TL;DR

This study shows that applying chlorhexidine dental coating in community settings can reduce oral inflammation in seniors, with the treatment being feasible and well accepted.

## Contribution

The study introduces a non-invasive, community-based preventive oral health approach using chlorhexidine for seniors.

## Key findings

- Chlorhexidine application significantly reduced bleeding on probing (BOP) compared to placebo.
- The treatment was feasible and acceptable in community settings like medical practices and senior centers.
- Oral inflammation decreased in both groups, but the active treatment showed a larger reduction.

## Abstract

Poor oral health (caries and periodontal disease) in seniors is a health risk with minimal preventive care approaches evaluated. The objectives of this study were to: (1) document the oral health status of a sample of Canadian seniors; and then (2) evaluate feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of non-invasive application of chlorhexidine for preventive oral health in the community.

Dental examinations of 105 Ottawa seniors were followed by a randomized controlled study of 55 seniors with ≥ 16 natural teeth and ≥ 12 sites of bleeding on probing (BOP). Four treatments of either a chlorhexidine 10% w/v (active) or purified water (placebo) were applied over a 9-week period. Study sites included a hospital, seniors’ community centre, medical practice and long-term care facility. Treatments were applied by a hygienist or a nurse in 10–15 minutes, without dental cleaning or scaling. The primary endpoint was change in oral inflammation (BOP).

The sample had more decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT) and more periodontal disease than reported in the 2007–2009 Canada Health Measures Survey. BOP was reduced almost 2-fold more in the active group compared to placebo although significant in both groups (active: 7.91%, p < 0.001; placebo: 4.1%, p = 0.018). The difference between groups in reducton of BOP failed to reach significance (p = 0.06) likely due to early stoppage of recruitment.

A four-dose application of chlorhexidine significantly decreased oral inflammation as measured by BOP. The program of non-invasive preventive care in community settings is feasible, clinically impactful, and well received.