Published Online:
July 8, 2009
This is the protocol for a review and there is no abstract. The objectives are as follows:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of chlorhexidine-containing oral products (toothpastes, mouthrinses, varnishes, gels, gums and sprays) in adults on reducing dental caries rates as compared with topical fluoride treatments, placebo or no treatment.
- To assess if there are optimum parameters of administration of chlorhexidine-containing oral products (e.g. form, concentration, frequency).
- To examine whether the effect of chlorhexidine-containing oral products is influenced by the level of caries in the population.
- To describe reported adverse effects, their rate of occurrence and potential to interfere with treatment. It is recognised that studies included in the review of effectiveness may not provide a comprehensive summary of adverse effects.
The following null hypotheses will be tested.
- There is no difference in caries rates between adults using chlorhexidine-containing products compared with topical fluoride treatments, placebo or no treatment.
- There is no difference in caries rates between adults using chlorhexidine-containing products according to different parameters of administration (form, concentration, frequency).