Nadir Babay, DDS, MS, DCD
Mohammed T. Bukhary, BDS, DOrth.RCS, M Orth, RCS (Edin), MDORCPS (Gias) MOrthRCS (Lond), PhD
College of Dentistry, KingSaud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

This clinical Investigation examined the effect of chlorhexidine, sanguinarine and saline as coolants during ultrasonic scaling on gingivitis. In orthodontic patients. Eighteen females with gingivitis participated in this study. Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Interdental Bleeding Index (81) and Probing Depth (PD) were recorded for the following teeth 16,21,25, 36,41 and 45 at baseline, 2 weeks and 4 weeks respectively. The application of solutions (chlorhexidine, sanguinarine and saline] as coolants was delivered by the use of an ultrasonic handpiece (Plezon) In each group consisting of 6 patients. A reduction of the PI, Gl, Bl and PD was observed in all three groups. Irrigation with chlorhexidine, sanguinarine and saline as coolants respectively is an effective clinical procedure during ultrasonicscaling in orthodontlc patients with gingivitis.

Saudi Dental Journal 2001;13(1):25-29.