Efficacy of Carica papaya seed extract on periodontitis: A clinico-microbiological study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Human breath is composed of highly complex substances with numerous variable odors, which can generate unpleasant situations such as halitosis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and microbiological efficacy of Carica papaya seed extract on clinical parameters, such as gingival index (GI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and on oral malodor causing organisms, respectively. Materials and Methods: Thirty subjects with oral malodor score ≥3 were selected for the study. Subjects were divided into three groups: Group A––periodontally healthy subjects, Group B––gingivitis subjects, and Group C––periodontitis subjects with PPD ≥5mm. Ultrasonic scaling was performed for all the patients at the baseline and mouthwash was prescribed for 14 days. The clinical parameters such as plaque index (PI), GI, PBI, and PPD were recorded at baseline and 14th day (T14). Benzoyl-dl-arginine-B-naphthylamide (BANA) test and breath checker readings were taken at 0, 14th, and 21st days. Results: At T14, GI, PBI, PPD, malodor scores, and BANA test results showed a statistically significant reduction (P < 0.001) in all the three groups. Regarding the outcome variables, no significant intergroup differences were observed. Conclusion: Herbal mouthwash of dried seeds of C. papaya as an adjunct to scaling provides more favorable approach in the treatment of plaque-induced gingivitis, periodontitis and also oral malodor in all the groups. However, long-term studies with more number of subjects are required to evaluate the efficacy of this herbal mouthwash as an adjunct to scaling.