The antiplaque effect of herbal mouthwash in comparison to chlorhexidine in human gingival disease: a randomized placebo controlled clinical trial.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy, safety, antiplaque and antigingivitis properties of a herbal mouthwash with chlorhexidine mouthwash.

METHODS:

A double-blinded randomized clinical trial was conducted among 72 undergraduate students with age group 18-24 years. They were randomly divided into three mouthwash group with 24 participants in each group. Group A (herbal), Group B (chlorhexidine) and Group C (normal saline).The Turesky et al. 1970 plaque index and Loe and Silness 1963 gingival index was recorded. Student's t-test and one-way ANOVA were used to test the significance.

RESULTS:

A statistically highly significant difference was obtained between mouthwash B and C (p=0.00) and a significant difference between mouthwash A and C (p=0.004), showing that chlorhexidine was superior to herbal mouthwash and saline. However, there was a nonsignificant difference between mouthwash A and B (p=0.435) showing that herbal and chlorhexidine mouthwash was equally effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis.

CONCLUSIONS:

The efficacy of herbal mouthwash was equally effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis as compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash and may be considered as a good alternative. The chlorhexidine mouthwash was reported with many side effects which limits its acceptability and long-term use, whereas the presently tested herbal mouthwash had no side effects apart from mild burning sensation.

• Authors: Nagesh Bhat, Ruchi Mitra, Swapnil Oza, Vinayak Kumar Mantu, Sharda Bishnoi, Mandeepsinh Gohil, Rupam Gupta
• Journal: Journal of complementary & integrative medicine (J Complement Integr Med) Vol. 11 Issue 2 Pg. 129-37 (Jun 2014) ISSN: 1553-3840 [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 24698829 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Mouthwashes
• Plant Extracts
• Chlorhexidine

Topics

• Adult
• Chlorhexidine (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Dental Plaque (drug therapy)
• Dental Plaque Index
• Double-Blind Method
• Female
• Gingivitis (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Male
• Mouthwashes (chemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Periodontal Index
• Phytotherapy
• Plant Extracts (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Young Adult