A novel treatment of gingival recession using a botanical topical gingival patch and mouthrinse.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Current treatment of gingival recession (GR) is limited to surgical procedures. We describe a case series of 18 patients with GR who were treated with a botanical patch and rinse following standard conservative therapy. CASE SERIES DESCRIPTION: A total of 22 sites with GR > 1 mm were studied. Following scaling and root planing (SRP) and oral hygiene instruction, patients received two courses of patch treatment (3 days each) and botanical rinse administered twice daily throughout the treatment period. Outcome measures (GR, gingival index (GI) and gingival thickness (GT) were taken at baseline; at 1 to 2 weeks; 2 to 4 weeks; and at 6 to 8 weeks. Miller classifcation and plaque index (PI) were measured at baseline and at 6 to 8 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, mean GR decreased from 4.18 ± 1.74 mm to 3.31 ± 1.51 mm (20.8%); Miller grade from 1.86 ± 0.56 to 1.06 ± 0.43; GI scores from 1.45 ± 0.63 to 0.17 ± 0.38 (88.3%); and PI scores from 1.33 ± 0.59 to 0.78 ± 0.94. GT increased from 0.74 mm ± 0.40 to 1.21 ± 0.39 (63.5%). No adverse effects were reported with either the patch or rinse treatments. CONCLUSION We observed a decrease in GR and GI scores in 18 patients (22 sites) treated with the study patch and rinse, with increased GT. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE A combined botanical patch-rinse treatment may be effective as adjuvant treatment to standard conservative care for GR. Further research is needed to verify these fndings.