Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of 5% Indian Jamun Extract and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash in Prevention of Plaque and Gingivitis among young adults: An Invivo In-vitro Randomized Clinical Trial

Periodontal diseases are chronic inflammatory conditions characterized by loss of connective tissue, alveolar bone resorption and formation of periodontal pockets as a result of the complex interaction between pathogenic bacteria and the host′s immune response. Periodontitis starts with inflammatory lesions of the gingiva, which, if left untreated, may progress and eventually involve and compromise the entire periodontal apparatus of the affected teeth. Dental plaque is the primary etiologic factor in periodontal disease.The results of the clinical trials and analysis of literature indicates a strong correlation between microbial plaque levels and severity of gingivitis. Plaque control has long been considered as the cornerstone of its management.

Mechanical hygiene procedures such as tooth brushing, interdental brushing, and dental floss are the key methods of plaque control. However, despite the potential for adequate mechanical plaque control, clinical experience and population-based studies demonstrate that such methods are not being employed sufficiently by large numbers of the population.

Chemical methods of reducing plaque, such as mouthwashes, are less technically demanding alternatives to mechanical plaque control. Chlorhexidine gluconate is the most popular mouthwash which has been recognized by the pharmaceutical industry as the positive control against which the efficacy of alternative antiplaque agents should be measured, and has earned its epitome of gold standard. But its long-term usage may result in various side effects. An effective substitute to chlorhexidine gluconate with all the good qualities and its unpleasant effects is highly desirable and has been long awaited.

From the earliest times, Plants have been exploited by humans for many centuries as sources of medicinal drugs, due to the presence of various bioactive compounds. Plants have not only provided food, cosmetics and embalming ointments, but also a plethora of easily available remedies for the maladies of humanity3. As the popularity of these herbal products continues to rise, dental professionals are expected to provide information to patients about these products safety and efficacy. So herbal mouthwash may act as a good and cost-effective oral hygiene product.

Eugenia jambolana Lam., commonly known as black plum or “jamun†is an important medicinal plant in various traditional systems of medicine. It is effective in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, inflammation, ulcers and diarrhoea and preclinical studies have also shown it to possess chemopreventive, radioprotective, antineoplastic, antiviral, antibacterial and antioxidant properties but most important of all is antidiabetic property . The plant is rich in compounds containing anthocyanins, glucoside, ellagic acid, isoquercetin, kaemferol and myrecetin(4). The seeds are claimed to contain alkaloid, jambosine, and glycoside jambolin or antimellin, which halts the diastatic conversion of starch into sugar. The plant is however less explored for dental use .

Therefore, the present study is conducted to Compare the efficacy of 5% Indian Jamun extract mouthwash with 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash against plaque accumulation and gingivitis among young adults.

Primary hypothesis: There is no difference between the efficacy of 5% Indian Jamun extract mouthwash and 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash on plaque accumulation and gingivitis.

Other hyposthesis 1: 5% Indian Jamun extract mouthwash is less effective than 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in prevention of plaque accumulation and gingivitis.

Other hypothesis 2: 5% Indian Jamun extract mouthwash is as good as 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in prevention of plaque accumulation and gingivitis.