TRADITIONAL REMEDIES IN MODERN DENTISTRY: EFFECTIVENESS OF AZADIRACHTA INDICA MOUTHWASH ON PLAQUE AND GINGIVITIS CONTROL

Abstract Background and Aim: Dental plaque–induced gingivitis is a common oral health problem. Although chlorhexidine is the gold standard for plaque control, its long-term use is associated with adverse effects, leading to interest in herbal alternatives. Azadirachta indica (neem) possesses antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may benefit oral health. This study aimed to evaluate the antiplaque and antigingivitis effects of an A.indica–based mouthrinse compared with 0.2% chlorhexidine in plaque-induced gingivitis. Methodology: This randomized comparative clinical trial included 40 subjects (18–65 years) with plaque-induced gingivitis. Participants were equally divided into two groups after baseline scaling. Group I used neem mouthwash and Group II used chlorhexidine mouthwash twice daily. Plaque index, gingival index, and sulcus bleeding index were recorded at baseline and after 4 weeks. Paired and unpaired t-tests were used for intra- and intergroup comparisons, respectively. Results: After 4 weeks, the neem mouthwash group showed significantly greater reduction in plaque, gingival inflammation, and bleeding on probing compared to the chlorhexidine group (plaque index p = 0.002; gingival index p = 0.004; bleeding on probing p < 0.0001) Conclusion: A. indica based oral rinse is as effective and has fewer side effects than chlorhexidine, making it an alternative therapy for the management of plaque induced gingivitis that may be used in combination with other treatments. Keywords: Azadirachta indica, Dental plaque, Chlorhexidine, Plaque index, Gingival Index, Bleeding on probing.