Abstract
IntroductionThe use of a mouthwash augments mechanical removal of plaque by brushing and flossing and helps maintain oral health through its antiplaque and antibacterial chemical properties.AimTo evaluate the effectiveness of a probiotic mouthwash, sesame oil pulling therapy, and chlorhexidine-based mouth-wash on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation in schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 years.Materials and methodsThe randomized controlled trial included 45 healthy schoolchildren aged 10 to 12 years and studying in Government High School, Tiruchengode, Tamil Nadu, India. The participants were randomly divided into three groups, I, II, and III, with 15 children in each group as follows: group I: probiotic mouthwash; group II: chlorhexidine mouthwash; and group III: sesame oil. Baseline scores of plaque index (PI) and modified gingival index (GI) were recorded followed by a full mouth oral prophylaxis. The designated mouth rinses were distributed to the respective groups and they were instructed to rinse once daily. Their parents supervised the children during the use of mouthwash. On the 15th and 30th day, the children were subjected to the same clinical measurements. Children’s acceptance of their plaque control method was assessed using a modified facial image scale.ResultsIntragroup comparisons for both the GI and PI scores were statistically significant (p ≤ 0.001) in all the three groups. Difference in the GI scores between the 15th and 30th day was statistically significant for chlorhexidine group alone (p = 0.024). Intergroup comparisons between the three groups were not statistically significant.ConclusionProbiotic mouthwash, chlorhexidine mouthwash, and sesame oil were equally effective in reducing plaque and in improving the gingival status of children. The difference between the gingival scores on the 15th and 30th day was statistically significant in the chlorhexidine group.How to cite this article: Kandaswamy SK, Sharath A, Priya PRG. Comparison of the Effectiveness of Probiotic, Chlorhexidine-based Mouthwashes, and Oil Pulling Therapy on Plaque Accumulation and Gingival Inflammation in 10- to 12-year-old Schoolchildren: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(2):66-70.
Highlights
The use of a mouthwash augments mechanical removal of plaque by brushing and flossing and helps maintain oral health through its antiplaque and antibacterial chemical properties
Difference in the gingival index (GI) scores between the 15th and 30th day was statistically significant for chlorhexidine group alone (p = 0.024)
Probiotic mouthwash, chlorhexidine mouthwash, and sesame oil were effective in reducing plaque and in improving the gingival status of children
Summary
The use of a mouthwash augments mechanical removal of plaque by brushing and flossing and helps maintain oral health through its antiplaque and antibacterial chemical properties. Plaque control measures employ a variety of mouthwashes to augment mechanical removal by inhibiting or reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Chlorhexidine gluconate is considered the most effective antiplaque and antigingivitis agent. Flotra et al have reported side effects like discoloration of teeth and tongue, oral mucosal erosion, taste disturbances, and paresthesia associated with its usage.[1] Metchnikof propagated the idea of probiotics by proposing a diet containing milk fermented by lactobacilli that could probably increase human life.[2] Guarner et al stated that administering live organisms in adequate amounts confers a positive health benefit for the host.[2] Probiotic technology is considered a breakthrough approach in oral health domain, which involves utilizing natural beneficial oral flora as a defense mechanism against detrimental bacteria.[3] Haukioja[4] reported that no conclusive evidence is available on the effect of probiotics on dental caries. Oil pulling is a traditional Indian folk remedy called “Kavala Gandoosha”
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