Effect of Herbal and Chemical Mouth-rinses on Periodontal Indices; Comparison of Matrica, Persica and Chlorhexidine

Statement of Problem: Due to the limitations of mechanical plaque control methods, the use of chemical methods have been recommended, and Chlorhexidine has been shown to be the gold standard mouth-rinse. Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two herbal mouth-rinses with each other, and with Chlorhexidine on some periodontal indices. Materials and method : In this double-blinded interventional study, 30 male dental students were divided into three equal groups. Before and after using of the two herbal and one chemical mouth-rinses (Matrica, Persica, and Chlorhexidine) periodontal indices including plaque, gingival, and tooth staining were measured and recorded. All samples consumed the three mouth-rinses in two week intervals. Data were analyzed using Wilcoxon test for evaluation of dependent variables in each group, and ANOVA for dependent variables between the three mouth-rinses. Results : The three mouth-rinses used in this study (Matrica, Persica, and Chlorhexidine) caused reduction in plaque index by 30.589.22%, 19.448.43% and 19.628.7%, respectively. All the mouth-rinses decreased the plaque index but the reduction was more prominent with Chlorhexidine (p<0.05). Also, Chlorhexidine caused more gingival index reduction in comparison with Matrica and Persica (p<0.05). Herbal mouth-rinses caused small areas of staining but Chlorhexidine increased stain index value by its extension and intensity. The difference between the two herbal mouth-rinses was not statistically significant, while the difference was significant in comparison with the chemical mouth-rinse (p<0.05). Conclusion : As the extension and intensity of staining caused by Chlorhexidin as a chemical agent was significantly more than the herbal mouth-rinses, also its effect on plaque and gingival indices was more. So, the benefits and side effects of each mouth-rinse should be considered in their clinical application. Key words : Herbal mouth-rinse, Chemical mouth-rinse, Periodontal indices