Comparative Evaluation of Arimedadi Oil with 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Prevention of Plaque and Gingivitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Comparative evaluation of nutmeg mouthwash and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash on halitosis and plaque control: A randomized clinical trial

Background

Myristica fragrans, commonly known as nutmeg, has been shown to have many medicinal properties including reduction of plaque and oral halitosis. In the present study, a mouthwash was prepared from nutmeg oil to compare its effectiveness with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate mouthwash on halitosis and plaque control.

Materials and Methods

A total of 60 participants having plaque and plaque-induced oral halitosis were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups as Group A (30) and Group B (30). Nutmeg and 0.2% CHX gluconate mouthwash were administered in Group A and Group B, respectively, for 21 days twice daily. Plaque index and organoleptic score were recorded at baseline, 14^th day, and 21^st day. The data were collected, tabulated in Microsoft Excel Sheet, and subjected to statistical analysis using appropriate statistical tests.

Results

The percentage of change in plaque score between baseline and 14^th day was 12.3% and 9.44% (P = 0.741), between baseline and 21^st day 39.2% and 39.4% (P = 0.889), and between 14^th and 21^st day 27.7% and 29.9% (P = 0.805) for Group A and Group B, respectively, while the percentage of change in halitosis score between baseline and 14^th day was 24.7% and 16.3% (P = 0.201), between baseline and 21^st day 54.5% and 56.3% (P = 0.487), and between 14^th and 21^st day 34.9% and 40.0% (P = 0.393) for Group A and Group B, respectively.

Conclusion

Nutmeg mouthwash is organic, economical, and equally effective as compared to 0.2% CHX gluconate mouthwash (Clinical Trials Registry-India/2020/10/028540).

Evaluation of Irimedadi Taila as an adjunctive in treating plaque-induced gingivitis

Ayurvedic drugs have been used since ancient times to treat diseases including periodontal diseases. Oral rinses made from ayurvedic medicines are used in periodontal therapy to control bleeding and reduce inflammation. To evaluate the efficacy of herbal preparation (Irimedadi taila) on reduction of plaque induced gingivitis. A total of 100 volunteers with clinical signs of mild to moderate gingivitis were selected and assigned to Group A (only scaling done) and Group B (scaling along with the use of Irimedadi taila). After recording the clinical parameters, the patients were instructed to use 2–3 drops of Irimedadi taila and gently massage the gums twice daily in Group B and oral hygiene instructions were given to all patients. Plaque and gingivitis assessment were carried out using the plaque index (Silness and Loe, 1964), Gingival index (Loe and Silness, 1963), and modified sulcular bleeding index (Mombelli et al.) at baseline and at 21 days post treatment. Statistically analysis was carried out using the student's paired t test for intra group comparison and unpaired t test for inter group comparison. Results showed that Irimedadi taila is effective in reducing gingival index and gingival bleeding index scores in comparison to scaling alone and the values are statistically significant with p < 0.0001. Irimedadi taila is effective in treatment of plaque induced gingivitis and can be effectively used as an adjunct to mechanical therapy.