Rinse Smart: Nutmeg Mouthwash

Abstract

Brief Background This study was undertaken to assess the anti-plaque efficacy of Nutmeg mouthwash. The antibacterial properties of nutmeg mouthwash against Prevotella intermedia (Pi), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in vitro were also assessed. Materials and Methods In vitro testing of Nutmeg mouthwash against Pi, Pg, and Aa was carried out. Thirty periodontally healthy subjects between the age group of 21- 23 years (mean age 22 years) were enrolled in the cross sectional 4-day plaque re-growth study and were divided into two groups and assigned one mouthwash for each group. Mouthwashes were labelled as A and B. Mouthwash A was a Nutmeg mouthwash; Mouthwash B was commercially available 0.2% Chlorhexidine mouthwash. Subjects were advised to refrain from any kind of mechanical oral hygiene techniques. Plaque index (PI) was checked on day 1 and 5. After a washout period of two weeks, the mouthwashes were switched and cross-over clinical trial was again carried out and plaque scores were taken on day 1 and 5. Results Pi significantly increased from day 1 to day 5 (P < 0.01) in Groups A and B during all the trails. In inter-group comparison, Nutmeg mouthwash was almost comparable to Chlorhexidine mouthwash. However, chlorhexidine showed superior anti-plaque activity. In vitro test, showed Nutmeg mouthwash (0.01%) was effective against Pi, Pg, and Aa. Conclusion: Nutmeg mouthwash was found to be potent plaque inhibitor although less efficacous than Chlorhexidine mouthwash. It can serve as a good alternative for the patients who prefer natural products. Key words Anti-plaque, mouthwash, Nutmeg