Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Introduction: There are many bacteria that are present in the mouth which cannot be eliminated properly with daily routine brushing and can still be present in the preservation of healthy dental and periodontal tissues. The development of gingivitis begins with plaque build-up and the end result will be periodontitis. The human mouth is considered as the mirror of the body and the health of the oral cavity is directly related to the individual’s systemic health. Periodontitis or the disease affecting the periodontium is the most frequent oral diseases in the world. It includes a bacterial inflammatory process in the periodontal tissue that results from the accumulation of dental plaque on the external surface of the tooth. It is widely accepted theory in dentistry that plaque containing a combination of pathogenic micro-organisms is a principal etiological factor which is directly associated with periodontal disease. Active agents that have shown effective in clinical trials include chlorhexidine and an oral rinse containing phenolic compounds (Listerine). Recently, the American Dental Therapeutics has adopted “guidelines for acceptance of chemotherapeutic products for the control of supragingival dental plaque and gingivitis”, So far, only 2 agents have been recognised by this council: Chlorhexidine and Listerine. Materials and Methodology:Among 180 subjects, 88 males and 92 females were included and all of whom were in the age group of 21-35 years. The subjects had a published high standard of oral hygiene and gingival health, with the probing depths of more than 2mm. The status of the periodontium at time of selection as well as the age range of the individuals was quite similar in all groups. The subjects were divided into 3 groups. Group A, Group B and Group C. All of the above group consisted of 60 subjects each. Group A (n=60)-Rinsed with 0.9% sterile saline solution. Group B (n=60) - Rinsed with Phenolic compound (Listerine) Group C (n=60) - Rinsed with 0.2% Chlorhexidine digluconate. Since the study has a double-blind design, all solutions had the uniform colour and were kept in the same kind of bottle. The manufacturers were requested to give the examiner the same colour for all the 3 formulations. Results:Table 1 displays the age distribution among the subjects in the age range of 21 – 35 years. The samples were age matched with P value being P=0.158. Table 2 depicts the gender distribution in Group A, Group B, Group C. Males and females were equally matched and has a P> 0.05. Table 3 shows comparison of plaque scores between the three groups after the first week. Plaque score is reduced in Group C and group B than Group A in second, third and fourth week consecutively but reduction of plaque score is higher in Group C than Group B whose significance is showed by Tukey test. Table 4 throws the comparison of gingival scores between the three groups after the first week. Gingival score is reduced in Group C and group B than Group A in second, third and fourth week continuously but reduction of plaque is higher in Group C than Group B whose significance is showed by Tukey test. Conclusion: This study concluded that both a 0.2% chlorhexidine and a phenolic mouth rinse significantly reduced plaque growth and gingival inflammation when compared to a placebo mouth rinse. But the chlorhexidine rinse was more effective against plaque regrowth than the phenolic rinse. The role of mouth rinses as an adjuvant to normal oral hygiene needs reassessment and reassurance given the paucity of data reiterating the long-term unsupervised use of these products mostly.