Effect of 0.12% Chlorhexidine Gel and Tooth Brushing on Porphyromonas Gingivalis Levels in Subgingival Plaque and Matrix Metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) Levels in Gingival Crevicular Fluid of Children and Adolescents with Down Syndrome

Abstract

Background: To find out innovative and user-friendly methods that can be practiced daily to improve the gingival and periodontal health of Down syndrome adolescents and to improve their quality of life. Aim: This study aims to determine if chlorhexidine gel (0.12%) and tooth brushing had any effect on the levels of MMP-8 in GCF and the levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis in subgingival plaque of DS children and healthy children. Methodology: Twenty Down syndrome and twenty healthy children formed Group I and Group II, respectively. Following the collection of baselines GCF samples and plaque samples, oral prophylaxis was carried out by the same examiner in both groups. In Group I, chlorhexidine (0.12%) gel was applied over the gingiva once in two weeks for 3 months. Parents were given oral hygiene counseling on the method of tooth brushing for their children. A second sample of GCF and plaque was obtained from Group I at the end of 3 months. Oral hygiene reinforcement was given for the children once in two weeks for the next three months and the third sample of GCF and plaque was obtained from Group I at the end of the 6th month. Results: A significant difference was observed in mean MMP-8 levels and mean Porphyromonas gingivalis levels between Down syndrome and healthy children (plt;0.001). Conclusion: The levels of MMP-8 and Pg. in Down syndrome children showed improvement following the use of 0.12% chlorhexidine gel.