HERBAL v/s PROBIOTIC: BEST HEALER AGAINST GINGIVITIS?

Title: Herbal v/s Probiotic mouthwash: best healer against gingivitis?

Introduction: Thyme has anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, antioxidant effect, and contains natural chemicals i.e thymol which defends from tooth decay, gingivitis and general oral infections. Thyme mouthwash have shown clinical improvement in gingivitis patients.

Probiotic bacteria S. bouluradii interferes with cellular signalling pathways common in many inflammatory conditions and proved significant clinical effectiveness in gingivitis patients. S. bouluradii mouthwash have proven to be effective in reducing periodontal disease when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planning.

Objectives: To evaluate clinical parameters (plaque index, gingival index and sulcus bleeding index) at baseline, 7 and 15 days after the use of mouthwash(Thyme & Probiotic) as an adjunct to scaling in biofilm induced gingivitis patients.

Materials and methods: 45 subjects with biofilm induced gingivitis were randomised into 3 groups of 15 each. Group A- thyme extract mouthwash, Group B- probiotic containing mouthwash (saccharomyces bouluradii) and Group C- placebo mouthwash. After scaling mouthwashes were allocated to each group and patients were asked to rinse 10 ml with water (1:1 dilution) for 2 mins, twice daily for 15 days. Clinical parameters were assessed at baseline, 7 and 15 days.

Results: The herbal and probiotic mouthwashes displayed better clinical improvement as compared to the placebo mouthwash.

Conclusion: The thyme and probiotic containing mouthwashes exhibited antiplaque and anti-inflammatory effects and can be recommended in patients with gingivitis