Efficacy of irrigation with different antimicrobial agents on periodontal health in patients treated for chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical trial.
BACKGROUND
Periodontitis is inflammation of supporting tooth structure. Most individuals get affected by this disease if oral hygiene is not maintained. There are various mechanical and chemical methods for oral hygiene maintenance. In recent past, interest has been diverted toward the herbal/traditional product in oral hygiene maintenance as they are free from untoward effect.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the efficacy of subgingival irrigation with herbal extract (HE) as compared with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) on periodontal health in patients who have been treated for chronic periodontitis, and still have residual pocket of 3-5 mm.


METHODS
This was a controlled, single-blind, randomized study for 3 months. Patients were allocated in two groups (n= 15 each): (1) 0.2% CHX (control group); (2) HE consisting ofPunica granatumLinn. (pomegranate),Piper nigrumLinn. (black pepper), and detoxified copper sulfate (test group). Solutions were used for the irrigation using pulsated irrigating device, WaterPik. Clinical outcomes evaluated were plaque index (PI), sulcus bleeding index (SBI), probing depth at baseline, 15th, 30th, 60th, and 90thday. Microbiologic evaluation was done at baseline and 90thday.


RESULTS
Significant reduction in PI was seen in the group of irrigation with HE. While comparing SBI, irrigation with CHX shows a better result. Other parameters such as probing pocket depth and microbiological counting were similar for both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Irrigation with HE is a simple, safe, and noninvasive technique with no serious adverse effects. It also reduces the percentage of microorganism in periodontal pocket.
Department of Periodontics and Community Dental Sciences, College of Dentistry, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
Shahabe Saquib
SS
Abullais
Department of Periodontics, M.G.V. Dental College and Hospital, Nasik, India.
Nitin
N
Dani
Department of Ilmul Saidla (Pharmacy), National Institute of Unani Medicine, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Hamiduddin
Department of Periodontics, S.B. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Bidar, Karnataka, India.
N
N
Priyanka
Department of Periodontics, Himachal Dental College and Hospital, Sundar Nagar, Himachal Pradesh, India.
Nitin
N
Kudyar
Department of Periodontics, M.G.V. Dental College and Hospital, Nasik, India.
Anoop
A
Gore
Chlorhexidine; herbal extract; periodontal disease; subgingival irrigation