Comparative Evaluation of Anti-Plaque Efficacy of Probiotic, Aloe Vera and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Mouthwash: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: Supra-gingival plaque control is fundamental for the prevention and management of periodontal diseases. However, significant proportions of individuals fail to practice high standards of plaque removal. Anti-microbial mouth rinses limit the accumulation of dental plaque with a primary objective of controlling the development and progression of periodontal diseases. Chlorhexidine has earned eponym of gold standard to treat or prevent the periodontal diseases. However, it has been reported that there have been side effects due to long term use. Hence alternative mouthwashes have been used for preventing periodontal diseases. Aim: To compare the Anti-Plaque efficacy of Herbal, Probiotic, and Chlorhexidine mouth wash Materials and Methods: In the present clinical trial 30 subjects above 18 years were selected and randomly divided into 3 groups Group 1: Aloe vera Mouth wash, Group 2: Probiotic Mouth wash, Group 3: Chlorhexidine Mouth wash. Before the intervention baseline scores were recorded and anti-plaque efficacy was evaluated by using Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) at the end of 1st and 2nd week. Subjects were instructed to use their respective mouth wash 10ml 1:1 dilution twice daily for about 14 days. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was marked reduction of plaque and gingival scores from baseline to 14 days for both the groups when compared with the chlorhexidine group. There is a significant reduction in the plaque scores from baseline to 1st week, and baseline to 2nd week in the aloe vera group with p-value 0.001*, and 0.001* which is statistically significant. Whereas, in probiotic group there is a significant reduction of the plaque scores from baseline to 1st week, baseline to 2nd week, and from 1st week to 2nd week (p-value=0.04*,0.001*,0.001* respectively). In chlorhexidine group the significant reduction of plaque score is seen in the 1st week and the 2nd week (p-value=0.007*). There was a highly significant difference of the mean plaque scores between the 3 groups. Whereas, significant difference of the mean gingival scores was seen between the probiotic and chlorhexidine groups. CONCLUSION: Herbal and probiotic mouth washes can prove to be effective alternatives to chlorhexidine. Key words: Anti-plaque, Efficacy, Herbal, Probiotic, Chlorhexidine