Comparative efficacy of coconut oil-pulling therapy versus 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse on dental plaque and gingival health

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontitis is an inflammatory microbial disease caused by complex of microbes. Prevention and control of periodontal disease must be based on the regular and complete removal of bacterial plaque n. Various modes of mechanical and chemical means of plaque control exist Conventionally, essential oils have also been used to cure many oral conditions. Many oils have been investigated for their effectiveness as anti plaque and anti gingivitis agents. Very few studies have used coconut oil or this purpose. Aim: The present study was undertaken with the aim to investigate the efficacy of virgin coconut oil pulling therapy versus 0.2% CHX mouthrinse and their effect on clinical parameters and total microbial load in salivary sample of periodontally healthy volunteers. Material and Methods: A total of 30 periodontally healthy volunteers with the age range of 18–45 years were randomly divided into two groups:-Group 1:virgin coconut oil mouthrinse (Plant Lipids®, Cochin, India) and Group 2: 0.2% CHX mouthrinse (Clohex Plus®, Dr Reddy's, India). Clinical parameters such as Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and Gingival Bleeding Index (GBI) were recorded for all the subjects. An unstimulated salivary sample was collected in a sterile calibrated bottle and sent for baseline examination of oral microbial load. Subjects were asked to perform oil pulling in (Group 1) and 0.2% CHX rinse in (Group 2) in front of the instructor and were asked to continue for rest of the trial period in the same manner. Results: The mean PI at day 10, day 21, and day 30 was significantly more among coconut oil than CHX group. The mean CFU at day 10, day 21, and day 30 was significantly more among coconut oil than the CHXgroup. Conclusion: Both the study groups showed reductions in PI, GI, and GBI scores, higher reductions were seen in the CHX group. It was observed that CHX and virgin coconut oil were effective against microorganisms, thus causes a reduction in CFU and thus serve as a good alternative.