The Comparative Effects of 0.12% Chlorhexidine and Herbal Oral Rinse on Dental Plaque-Induced Gingivitis

Abstract

Purpose. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of two oral rinses-one 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse (CHX) and one herbal rinse (HBR)-on gingival health status over time.

Methods. Sixty-three participants were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups: CHX, HBR, or placebo. For three months, participants rinsed twice daily (morning and evening) with ½ ounce of allocated rinse after brushing and flossing. Individuals were given the same type of soft bristle toothbrush and whitening toothpaste. No attempt was made to modify participants' routine oral care, except they were advised to refrain from use of any other oral rinse for the duration of the study. Data were collected at baseline (B), month one (1), two (2), and three (3) utilizing the Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), and bleeding on probing (BOP). A full mouth periodontal probing was performed at baseline and at the completion of the study. A soft tissue oral assessment was completed at each visit. CHX, HBR, and placebo data were compared between three time intervals, B-1, B-2, and B-3. Statistical analysis was conducted by means of multiple regression using generalized linear models. Paired comparison tests - ANOVA followed by a post hoc Tukey test - were used to confirm results.

Results. CHX was the only oral rinse to demonstrate a statistically significant effect on the reduction of mean GI, BOP, and PI scores when compared to placebo. CHX demonstrated a 31% reduction in the proportion of GI scores between B-2 and a 29% reduction between B-3 (p=.003 and p=.012, respectively). CHX demonstrated a 19% reduction of BOP sites between B-1, 32% reduction between B-2, and 29% reduction between B-3 (p=.028, p=.000, and p=.005, respectively). CHX demonstrated a 20% reduction in PI scores between B-1, and a 28% reduction between B-2 (p=.005 and p=.032, respectively). The effects of HBR on reducing mean GI, BOP, and PI scores were not statistically greater than placebo at any time during the study.