Comparison of the Efficacy of Herbal Mouthwash and Chlorhexidine in the Management of Chronic Generalized Periodontitis: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Mouthwashes play a crucial role as adjuncts in managing periodontal diseases. While chlorhexidine is considered the gold standard, herbal alternatives have gained attention due to their natural origin and fewer side effects. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of herbal mouthwash and chlorhexidine in reducing clinical parameters of chronic generalized periodontitis. A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 60 patients divided into two groups: herbal mouthwash and chlorhexidine. Clinical parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and probing pocket depth (PPD), were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks. Both mouthwashes demonstrated significant improvement, with chlorhexidine showing marginally better results. The study concludes that herbal mouthwash can be a viable alternative to chlorhexidine, particularly for long-term use.