title: Comparison of a commercially available herbal and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse for prevention of oral malodor: A clinical trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Despite the adverse effects of chlorhexidine (CHX) in the oral cavity, it is still the most commonly prescribed mouthrinse for halitosis control due to its excellent results. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of a mouthrinse with herbal formulation for halitosis control with 0.2% CHX gluconate containing rinse and to simultaneously assess adverse effects caused by the herbal mouthrinse if any.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ninety-six systemically healthy subjects with chronic generalized gingivitis were recruited in the study and divided into three groups receiving 0.2% CHX gluconate mouthrinse, herbal mouthrinse, or negative control, respectively as Group A, B, and C. The halimeter scores and organoleptic scores were recorded for each subject at baseline and after scaling. Others parameters recorded were plaque index and gingival index. All scores were reassessed on the 7(th) and 14(th) day, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U-test, and Wilcoxon matched pairs test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was an overall reduction in the halimeter scores both in Group A and B subjects which were not statistically significant within the groups; this was in accordance with the decrease in the mean organoleptic scores. Reduction in Group C scores was the least and differed statistically from both Group A and B scores.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results indicate an equivalent reduction in breath odor by both the herbal mouthrinse and CHX. Furthermore, side effects were less, and patient compliance was more with the herbal mouthrinse, which can thus be prescribed more safely and with predictable outcomes for oral malodor.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
authors.forename: Vandita
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Mishra
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Leena
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shettar
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, Karnataka, India.
authors.forename: Mahesh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bajaj
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
authors.forename: Abhishek Savir
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Math
keywords: Chlorhexidine; clinical trial; herbal; malodor; mouthrinses