abstract—The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the effect of a 3‐min daily toothbrushing with 1% chlorhexidine gluconate toothpaste on dental plaque, gingivitis and gingival hyperplasia in 30 mentally retarded epileptic children treated with phenytoin. A double‐blind cross‐over technique was used. Brushing once daily for 2 months with 1% chlorhexidine gluconate toothpaste resulted in significantly lower Pl I and GI values. Gingival hyperplasia was not significantly reduced by the use of the chlorhexidine too