Evaluation of the Antimicrobial and Anti-inflammatory Efficacy of Mouthwashes

Abstract

Introduction: Various chemical agents are being used as an adjunct to mechanical therapy. Chlorhexidine (CHX), though considered as the gold standard, has certain side effects. The use of herbal products as an adjunctive therapy is thus gaining more popularity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory efficacies of two commercially available mouthwashes. Materials and methods: Antimicrobial activity of the mouthwashes was analyzed in vitro by evaluating their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) against four microorganisms. The anti-inflammatory efficacy was evaluated in 84 individuals, who were divided into four groups of 21 each based on their gingival index (GI) score. The subjects used the respective mouthwashes allotted to them for 2 weeks. Plaque index (PI), GI, and modified sulcus bleeding index (mSBI) of the participants were recorded at baseline and 14 days. Results: The herbal mouthwash was effective against the tested organisms in vitro. The PI and GI scores reduced in all the four groups at the end of 14 days with the CHX group showing more reduction. The herbal mouthwash showed significantly better clinical outcomes when compared with other groups and results comparable to CHX. Conclusion: The herbal mouthwash showed antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects comparable with that of 0.2% CHX, and may have a potential as an adjunct to scaling and root planing.