Perception and acceptance of the use of 0.2% polyhexanide versus 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate in patients at a risk of developing oral mucositis.

Objective: To evaluate the perception and acceptance of using polyhexanide (PHMB) and chlorhexidine digluconate (CLX) in individuals at a risk of developing oral mucositis induced by chemoradiotherapy. Materials and Methods: This is a randomised comparative study. Participants were randomised into two groups: Group 1 (PHMB 0.2%) and Group 2 (CLX 0.12%), these groups performed a mouth rinse with the respective solutions for 1 minute every 12 hours during an antineoplastic treatment cycle. The participants were evaluated at three different times: before (t0), during (t1) and after a cycle of antineoplastic treatment (t2). Severity of oral mucositis (OM), mouth pain, quality of life (OHIP-14), oral hygiene index and assessment of the acceptance of the substances in the mouth were assessed. Results: There were 23 individuals, 12 in Group 1 (G1) and 11 in Group 2 (G2). Both groups presented with OM in all three evaluations. Reported mouth pain was lower in G1 than in G2. The PHMB had a better acceptance (p=0.012) than the CLX for the time of mouth rinse at t0. There was a lower impact in the quality of life from oral health in the physical pain aspect (p=0.019) and in social incapacity (p=0.037) in G1 than in G2. Conclusions: PHMB has the same acceptance compared to CLX and is a good option for antiseptic mouth rinse with less adverse effects.