Online ISSN: 2515-8260

Effectiveness of Tea Tree Oil and Chlorhexidine as Mouth Rinse in the Control of Dental Plaque and Chronic Gingivitis – A Comparative Study

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Dr. Veera Reddy1 , Dr. Darshana Bennadi2* , Dr. Satish G3 , Dr. Divya4 , Dr. Guruprasad5 , Dr. C.V.K. Reddy

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: Increasing prevalence of periodontitis makes it one of the most important problems in public health. Microbial plaque is one the causative factor for gingival and periodontal diseases. The problem associated with side effects of chemical aids, stimulated the search for alternative antiplaque, antigingivitis agents. Hence study done with aim to compare the efficacy of mouth rinses containing Tea Tree Oil (TTO) and Chlorhexidine (CHX) in reduction of existing plaque and gingivitis. Method: A triple blind randomized control study was conducted among 12-15yr old participants having moderate –severe type of gingivitis. Participants were randomly divided in to three groups i.e., Chlorhexidine, Tea Tree Oil and Placebo groups with 30 participants in each making total sample of 90. Baseline data of gingival status of each participant was collected using plaque and gingival index. Later participants were given 10ml of TTO, CHX and placebo mouth-rinse daily for 15 days. Effect of mouth rinses were assessed on 7th day and 15th day of study period respectively. Results: In both, the TTO and Chlorhexidine group, there was significant reduction in plaque and gingival scores from baseline to 15th day, but there was no statistical significant difference between these groups. Conclusion: Our study suggests that, mouth rinse with the TTO has similar effect as Chlorhexidine in reduction of plaque and gingival scores. Hence, the TTO being a natural product and cost effective can be recommended as mouthrinse

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