Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of Moringa oleifera mouthwash versus 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of patients with chronic generalized gingivitis-A clinical study

Subgingival bacteria and dental plaque accumulation initiate gingival inflammation. If left untreated, this causes gingivitis and eventually progresses to periodontitis, with destruction of the underlying supporting tissue and alveolar bone. The most effective way of preventing the development of gingival inflammation is by controlling dental plaque formation as well as proper supportive periodontal maintenance such as personal and professional care. The gold standard for chemical plaque control used worldwide is chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX), a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that has been shown to reduce plaque and gingival inflammation. However, long-term use of CHX mouthwashes can cause adverse effects such as tooth and tongue staining, altered taste perception, and calculus formation. To combat this, various alteration have been proposed, one such herbal alternative is the Moringa oleifera (MO) plant. MO provides beneficial nutrients and medical properties. MO is known as the miracle tree, with various therapeutic properties such as hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer, anti-cancer, antihypoglycemic, anti-plasmodic, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activities. Their role as an antitumor, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial agent is also proven. The use of moringa has an impact on various oral bacteria, namely Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Staphylococcus aureus, and Streptococcus mutans. Therefore, moringa plant extracts can be utilized to treat oral conditions such as gingival and periodontal diseases, oral ulcers, and caries that are caused by these pathogenic bacteria. Despite the lack of research of its use in the human population, the anti-inflammatory and antiplaque effects of moringa still remains to be explored. Hence, the aim of this study is comparative evaluation of the efficacy of Moringa oleifera (MO) mouthwash versus 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the treatment of patients with chronic generalized gingivitis.