Comparative study of effect of chlorhexidine and melaleuca alternifolia mouth washes on chronic gingivitis in orthodontic patients

Abstract EN

Objective : The effects of chlorhexidine and Melaleuca alternifolia mouth washes on clinical and bacteriological parameters on chronic gingivitis in orthodontic patients was investigated through a randomized, single-blind comparative study.

Material and Methods : Sixty patients were included in this study divided into 3 groups : Group I : 20 gingivitis patients used chlorhexidine gluconate, twice daily for 30 seconds.

Group II : 20 gingivitis patients used Melaleuca alternifolia twice daily for 30 seconds.

Group III : 20 gingivitis patients, asked to rinse with distilled water, all of them used it for 3 months.

Periodontal condition of each patient was assessed clinically at baseline, 6 weeks, and finally at 3 months, for Plaque index, gingival index and papillary bleeding index.

The antibacterial effects of the mouth rinses were assessed by measuring bacterial counts on the tooth surface and on the mucosa.

Results : The present study revealed that both chlorhexidine and melaleuca alternifolia had a comparable aiitiplaque, antigingivitis and anti bacterial effects.

Although melaleuca alternifolia had better results in the reduction of plaque, gingivitis and bacterial counts, but the difference is minimal as it cannot be considered as a statistically significant.

Conclusion : Melaleuca alternifolia can be used effectively in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis in orthodontic patients.