Aim: The presence of bacterial plaque is associated with the development of periodontal inflammation. The aim of this single-blind randomized clinical study was to prospectively evaluate the efficacy of two different agents in a staged approach for nonsurgical periodontal treatment in terms of clinical and patients related outcomes in a cohort of patients with periodontitis: NitrAdine® based disinfectant formula (PerioTabs®) vs Chlorhexidine 0.12 toothpaste and mouthwash 0.20.

Material and methods: Patients with a diagnosis of periodontal disease (stage I-III) scheduled for non surgical periodontal treatment were randomly allocated to the preparatory home use of a chlorhexidine mouthwash or a NitrAdine® based brushing solution called PerioTabs® for 10-15 days. Active decontamination with ultrasonic scalers was performed after the completion of the preparation period. Clinical and patient-related outcomes were recorded at baseline, at the moment of professional intervention, and after 30 and 90 days from baseline.

Inclusion Criteria:

• older than 18 y.o,
• systemically healthy,
• with a clinical diagnosis of periodontitis

Exclusion Criteria:

• alcohol or drug abuse,
• regular drug use of bisphosphonates,
• non-steroidal or steroidal anti-inflammatory,
• daily antacid therapy,
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other therapy that might affect periodontal health,
• antibiotics during the previous 6 months,
• smoking more than ten cigarettes per day;
• pregnancy;
• lactation;
• previous periodontitis treatment within the last 6 months,
• radiotherapy to the head or neck, current chemotherapy.

Data are available upon reasonable request from colleagues