Comparing the Anti-Plaque and Anti-Gingival Effectiveness of Punica Granatum and Chlorhexidine Containing Mouthwash A Single Blinded Randomized Clinical Trial

The objective of this current research is to compare the anti-plaque and anti-gingival effectiveness of Punicagranatum and chlorhexidine containing mouthwash.

A single blind randomized controlled trial was conducted among 20 healthy individuals. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group I (Experimental group-Punicagranatum), GroupII (Controlled group-Chlorexidine). Before conducting the trial, the study design was explained to the qualifying participant and informed consent was obtained from the voluntary patients who were willing to participate in the study. Erythrosin disclosing solution was used to disclose the plaque. The plaque index and gingival index was recorded at baseline and 7^th day. Wilcoxon signed Rank test used to compare the mean differences before and after treatment within each group for Plaque and Gingival index score. Mann-Whitney ‘U’ test to estimate differences between the mean Plaque and Gingival index score between the groups.

A statistically significant reduction in mean Plaque and Gingival Index score was observed in both Group I and Group II at baseline and 7^th day follow up. But there was no statistically significant difference was observed between the groups at 7^th day of follow up.

To conclude, there was no statistically significant difference was observed in mean plaque index and gingival index between group I and group IIat 7^th day of follow up. Hence, PunicaGranatum mouthwash can be used as an effective antimicrobial oral hygiene measure against plaque and gingival diseases.