A hydrosilver gel for plaque control in adults affected by chronic periodontitis: Effects on the ‘red complex’ bacterial load. A prospective longitudinal pilot study using polymerase chain reaction analysis

In subjects affected by chronic periodontitis, the chemical control of plaque is a strategy aiming primarily at controlling infection and bacterial loading. The aim is to evaluate the bacterial loading of the so-called ‘red complex’ associated with a short-term use of a hydrosilver gel (HSG) by using an in vivo model in adult subjects affected by chronic periodontitis. This prospective short-term clinical trial involved 10 adult volunteers using a 15-day in vivo model. After receiving professional prophylaxis at baseline (t0), each volunteer performed daily applications of HSG at home. After 15 days (t1) from the first application, subgingival plaque samples were collected, and the bacterial loading of species belonging to the red complex was evaluated using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses. The bacterial loading of the red complex showed no statistically significant difference between t0 and t1, although it tended to decrease. HSG can be used at home as an adjunct to domestic oral care because it seems a promising tool, but further studies are needed to involve a larger sample and a longer follow-up.