EVALUATION OF ANTIPLAQUE AND ANTIGINGIVITIS EFFECT OF ALOE VERA, CHLORINE DIOXIDE AND CHLORHEXIDINE MOUTH RINSES: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis)and dental caries are the two most prevalent oral infections affecting mankindworldwide and plaque is the common etiological factor.Plaque control is the basis and goal for prevention of gingivitis,periodontitis and dental caries. However, complete plaque removal is difficultto achieve and prevention can be achieved by reducing the quantity of plaque belowthe threshold level for disease or changing the quality of plaque towards moreprotective composition.

For effective plaque control,several mechanical (tooth brushing and flossing) and chemical oral hygiene aidsare available. Among the various chemical antimicrobial agents available, Chlorhexidineis considered as gold standard. Chlorhexidine can be used as mouth rinse or gel,but has side effects such as staining of teeth and tongue, altered tastesensation and increased calculus formation over prolonged usage.

Recently, the extracts or oils ofvarious medicinal plants having antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activityhas been reported and used for prevention of various oral infections. Aloevera, is one such plant which was shown to have antimicrobial,anti-inflammatory, antiulcer activity and astringent effect. Considering the beneficial effects along with ease of availability, cost and noknown adverse effects, Aloe vera can be a suitable alternative.

Recently a mouthwash containing Chlorine dioxide(ClO2) has become available on the market. Oral rinses containing ClO2 areutilized in dental practices as a topical antiseptic. Previous studies havesuggested that ClO2 is bactericidal to most of the periodontogenic microorganismsand shown promising results.

The presence of fixed appliances inoral cavity for prolonged periods create favourable conditions for thedevelopment of dental plaque by providing retentive surface which increases thebacterial load. Hence, gingival inflammation and demineralization of enameloccurs more frequently in orthodontic patients with poor oral hygiene. Hence, there is a need for products for regular maintenance ofacceptable oral hygiene without any adverse effects.

Null Hypothesis: there is no difference in anti plaque and anti gingivitis efficacy of Aloevera, Chlorine dioxide and Chlorhexidine mouth rinses among patients undergoingorthodontic treatment.