Comparative Evaluation of 0.1% Turmeric Mouthwash with 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Prevention of Plaque and Gingivitis: A Clinical Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Dental plaque has been proved by extensive research to be a paramount factor in initiation and progression of gingival and periodontal diseases. Among chemical means, chlorhexidine mouthwash is regarded as the gold standard in dentistry in prevention of dental plaque. Chlorhexidine mouthwash, though effective, has certain side effects, such as brown discoloration of teeth, oral mucosal erosion, etc. Hence, there is need of an alternative medicine enmeshed within precious traditional Indian herbal therapy which is efficient, safe, and economical. Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial properties along with hepatoprotective, immune stimulant, antiseptic, antimutagenic properties, etc. Objectives This study was conducted to explore and prove the clinical efficacy of 0.1% turmeric mouthwash in mild and moderate gingivitis patients. Materials and methods Sixty patients with moderate gingivitis were included and divided into two equal groups: Experimental (0.1% turmeric mouthwash) and control group (0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate). The clinical parameters evaluation was done on day 0 and day 21. Results On intragroup comparison, statistically significant reduction in clinical parameters (plaque index, gingival index, gingival bleeding index) was seen in both groups on day 21, but on intergroup comparison, no statistically significant reduction in clinical parameters was seen on day 21 between the groups. Conclusion Hence, it can be concluded that 0.1% turmeric mouthwash possesses antiplaque and anti-inflammatory properties which has been proven through clinical evaluation and it was almost equally effective when compared with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in moderate gingivitis patients. How to cite this article Nagunuri D, Babitha GA, Prakash S. Comparative Evaluation of 0.1% Turmeric Mouthwash with 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Prevention of Plaque and Gingivitis: A Clinical Study. CODS J Dent 2016;8(1):16-20.