The antiplaque effect of herbal mouthwash in comparison to chlorhexidine in human gingival disease: a randomized placebo controlled clinical trial.
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.
Nagesh
N
Bhat
Ruchi
R
Mitra
Swapnil
S
Oza
Vinayak Kumar
VK
Mantu
Sharda
S
Bishnoi
Mandeepsinh
M
Gohil
Rupam
R
Gupta
D000328:Adult; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010512:Periodontal Index; D008517:Phytotherapy; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D055815:Young Adult
D009067:Mouthwashes; D010936:Plant Extracts; D002710:Chlorhexidine