Comparing The Anti-Plaque And Anti-Gingivitis Efficacy Of Moringa Oleifera Mouthwash To Chlorhexidine And Saltwater Concentration In Treating Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

The study will be a double-blinded, parallel-designed randomized controlled trial will be conducted in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology at A.M.E’s Dental College and Hospital, Raichur, Karnataka. The study population will consist of undergraduates aged 18-25 years enrolled at A.M.E’s Dental College and Hospital, Raichur, Karnataka. The study will include three groups (A, B, C), each comprising 12 participants selected randomly through a simple lottery method as follows: Group A (N=12) - Moringa oleifera mouthwash, Group B (N=12) - Chlorhexidine mouthwash, and Group C (N=12) - Saline water concentration. An impartial individual will be responsible for conducting the allocation and product coding. All 36 participants will be instructed to use a soft toothbrush with toothpaste and practice a sulcular brushing technique for optimal oral care. The study will adhere to a double-blind design, ensuring that both examiners and participants remain unaware of the mouth rinses assigned. Participants will use 10 ml of mouthwash for 1 minute, twice daily after brushing their teeth for 2 weeks, with the quantity measured using 10 ml cups. Anti-plaque and Anti-Gingivitis Efficacy of mouthwashes will be assessed using the OHI-S index (Greene and Vermillion, 1964), the Gingival index (Loe and Silness, 1963), and the Turesky-Gilmore-Glickman 1970 modification of the Quigley-Hein plaque index. Assessments will be conducted at the study’s baseline and after 2 weeks. For plaque inspection, a two-tone dye-disclosing agent will be applied to all tooth surfaces. Gingivitis severity will be evaluated across four scoring units: disto-facial papilla, facial margin, mesial facial papilla, and the entire lingual gingival margin. Additionally, participants will complete a questionnaire regarding any discomfort (burning, itching, dryness, taste disturbance) and tooth discoloration.