Comparative Study of Antiplaque and Anti-Gingivitis Effect of Chlorhexidine and Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash in Mild to Moderate Gingivitis – A Randomized Control Study

Authors:

Nishi B, Shivesh K M, Gunjan G, Sachit A A, Priyanka T, Ankita C

Abstract

Background

Gingivitis is one of the most prevalent inflammatory diseases affecting the gingival tissues and is primarily caused by the accumulation of dental plaque. Chemical plaque control agents such as chlorhexidine have been widely used as adjuncts to mechanical oral hygiene measures. Recently, herbal products such as tea tree oil have gained attention because of their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Aim

To evaluate and compare the antiplaque and anti-gingivitis efficacy of chlorhexidine and tea tree oil mouthwash among young adults with mild to moderate gingivitis.

Materials and Methods

This randomized controlled clinical study was conducted in the Department of Periodontics at ITS Dental College, Hospital & Research Centre, Greater Noida. A total of 40 participants aged between 18 and 25 years with mild to moderate gingivitis were selected from the outpatient department and randomly divided into two groups of 20 participants each. Group A received chlorhexidine mouthwash and Group B received tea tree oil mouthwash. Participants were instructed to use the assigned mouthwash twice daily along with routine oral hygiene measures for 21 days. Clinical parameters including Plaque Index (Silness and Löe) and Gingival Index (Löe and Silness) were recorded at baseline and after 21 days. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the mean scores between and within the groups.

Results

A statistically significant reduction in plaque and gingival scores was observed in both study groups after 21 days. Tea tree oil mouthwash demonstrated comparable antiplaque efficacy to chlorhexidine. However, chlorhexidine showed superior reduction in gingival inflammation compared with tea tree oil mouthwash.

Conclusion

Both chlorhexidine and tea tree oil mouthwashes were effective in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Tea tree oil may serve as a suitable herbal alternative to chlorhexidine for the management of mild to moderate gingivitis.

Keywords

Gingivitis, Chlorhexidine, Tea Tree Oil, Mouthwash, Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Randomized Controlled Trial