ANTIBACTERIAL & ANTI INFLAMMATORY EFFECT OF Cassia auriculata MOUTHWASH VERSUS CHLORHEXIDINE IN PLAQUE INDUCED GINGIVITIS - A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL & MICROBIOLOGICAL STUDY

Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial and anti inflammatory effect of Cassia auriculata mouthwash in Plaque induced gingivitis by clinical and microbiological assessment and compared it with Chlorhexidine mouthwash.

Materials and Methods: Thirty patients who participated in the study were divided randomly into two groups using the coin toss method. Each group containing 15 patients was prescribed either herbal mouthwash or chlorhexidine. Subgingival plaque samples were collected at baseline and 15 days after. Silness and Loe plaque index and Loe and Silness gingival index were recorded at baseline, and 15 days after. The patients were asked to report any discomfort, alteration in taste or any other side effects.

Results: The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between group A and group B at baseline period for PI and GI. After 15 days of intervention, Group B (Chlorhexidine mouthwash – control group) was significantly effective in reducing the plaque index and gingival index compared to group A (Cassia auriculata mouthwash). At baseline and after 15 days, the mean CFUs of group B was lower than that of mean CFUs of group A, with statistically significant p value of 0.001. When all these parameters were compared between baseline and day 15, within group A and group B, both Cassia auriculata mouthwash and Chlorhexidine mouthwash is equally potent in significantly reducing the PI scores, GI scores, CFUs

Conclusion: Cassia auriculata mouthwash is efficient in reducing plaque, gingival inflammation and CFUs among plaque induced gingivitis patients, but not equivalent to that of Chlorhexidine mouthwash. However, patient compliance was better towards the herbal mouthwash as no side effects were reported by the patient when compared to chlorhexidine.