Research has been done previously on the oxidizing property and the clinical efficacy of chlorine dioxide (ClO2) on malodor. The aim of the present study was to compare the inhibitory effect of a mouthwash containing 0.1% ClO2 with 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash on morning oral malodor. Materials and methods: A randomized, double-blind, crossover trial was conducted among18 healthy male volunteers, who were divided into 2 groups. Group-1 subjects were instructed to rinse with the experimental mouthwash containing 0.1% ClO2 and group-2 subjects were asked to rinse with 0.2% chlorhexidine, twice per day for 7 days. After a one-week washout period, each group then used the opposite mouthwash for 7 days. At baseline and after 7 days, oral malodor was evaluated with Halimeter which measures Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs) in parts per billion. The clinical variables that were measured included the plaque and gingival indices. Results and conclusion: A decrease in the amount of VSCs was noted after a 7 day use of ClO2 as well as with the use of chlorhexidine mouthwash, which were statistically significant, with greater significance after the use of ClO2. Also, a significant reduction in plaque scores was noted after the use of test mouthwash. The decrease in the amount of VSCs indicates a reduction in oral malodor. Future research is needed to examine the long-term effects, as well as effects of ClO2 on plaque accumulation and periodontal diseases in a well-defined sample of oral malodor patients and broader population samples.
