Evaluation of the Efficacy Of 0.2% Chlorhexidine versus Herbal Oral Rinse on Plaque Induced Gingivitis- A Randomized Clinical Trail

Background: Supragingival plaque control is fundamental to the prevention and management of periodontal diseases. However significant proportions of all individuals fail to practice a high standard of plaque removal. The adjunctive use of chemicals would, therefore appear a way of overcoming deficiencies in mechanical tooth cleaning habits. This prospective, randomized positively controlled clinical trial was designed to evaluate the short-term clinical effects of a Herbal mouthwash in the reduction of plaque and gingival inflammation in subjects with gingivitis. Methods: Fifty subjects, 20 to 40 years of age diagnosed with chronic generalized gingivitis were selected and randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 Chlorhexidine mouthwash, Group 2 Herbal mouthwash. Clinical evaluation was undertaken using the gingival index, the plaque index and bleeding on probing at baseline, 1 weeks, 2 weeks and 4 weeks. Results: Both chlorhexidine and herbal mouthwash showed a significant reduction in Plaque and gingival index scores from baseline to 1st week, 2nd week and at 4th week. However, the improvement in plaque and gingival index scores were better in chlorhexidine group than herbal mouthwash. Both mouthwashes were found to be equally effective in reducing bleeding on probing. Conclusions: Unlike chlorhexidine mouthwash, herbal mouthwash was not associated with any discoloration of teeth or unpleasant taste and was effective in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. However, Chlorhexidine still remains a gold standard in reducing plaque, gingivitis and bleeding on probing.