Herbal Mouthwash vs. Chlorhexidine for Plaque Control in Gingivitis

Gingivitis, a common oral disease, can advance to a more severe condition called periodontitis if left untreated. The main cause of gingivitis is oral plaque, which is typically managed through professional dental cleaning and personal oral hygiene practices. While chlorhexidine mouthwash is considered the best option for oral rinses, its side effects necessitate the search for a safer and more tolerable alternative. This study introduces a homemade herbal mouthwash as a potential substitute, aiming to improve gingivitis treatment and meet the need for a more acceptable mouthwash. Participants in this study will use either the homemade herbal mouthwash or chlorhexidine. The effectiveness of each mouthwash is determined by measuring plaque accumulation on the teeth using a probe. The number of sites with plaque buildup is divided by the total number of dental sites to calculate the percentage of plaque accumulation. This comparison helps evaluate the potential of the herbal mouthwash as a safer and more comfortable alternative to chlorhexidine for managing gingivitis.