Comparative Evaluation of 4% Moringa oleifera Gel with 1% Chlorhexidine Gel as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing in the Treatment of Gingivitis

Abstract

Introduction: Among the traditional herbal medicines and products, very few have been marketed for conventional use in dental care because of limited publication data. Moringa oleifera (MO), an indigenous plant from Indonesia, exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, rendering it beneficial in the treatment of gingival diseases. Objective: The objective of the study is to assess and compare the effectiveness of 4% MO gel and 1% chlorhexidine (CHX) gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of moderate-to-severe gingivitis. Materials and Methods: Thirty individuals, aged between 18 and 55 years, who presented with moderate-to-severe gingivitis, were randomly allocated into two groups: the test group (MO) and the control group (CHX). Following the completion of SRP, the test group received 4% MO gel, while the control group received 1% CHX gel for local application twice daily over a span of 15 days. Clinical parameters including the plaque index, gingival index, and papillary bleeding index were assessed and recorded at baseline, on the 15th day, and on the 30th day. Results: Statistical analysis was done using Student’s t-test. On intragroup comparison, statistically significant difference was observed in the parameters while on intergroup comparison, no significant difference was observed both on the 15th and 30th day. Conclusion: MO gel when applied along with SRP in cases of gingivitis, it exhibits effects that are comparable to those of CHX gel, indicating that it may be utilized as an herbal substitute for CHX.