Comparative evaluation of a herbal mouthwash (Freshol) with chlorhexidine on plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, and salivary Streptococcus mutans growth

Abstract

Introduction:Plaque accumulation and oral microorganisms are the main predisposing factors to various orodental infections and targeting these, therefore, can prove to be an effective way of combating these diseases. Herbal extracts have been of particular interest these days owing to various side effects associated with conventional modes of treatment.Aims and Objectives:The present study was conducted to compare the efficacy of a commercially available homeopathic mouthwash with chlorhexidine on plaque status, gingival status, and salivary Streptococcus mutans count.Materials and Methods:Total sample of 55 children, aged 8-14 years, were randomly divided into two groups. Group A (35) and Group B (20) were given 10 mL of test mouthwash “Freshol” and chlorhexidine respectively during phases 1 and 3 of the clinical trial which was of 10 days each. Phase 2 of 14 days in between was the washout period during which no mouthwash was given.Result:Freshol was found to be better than chlorhexidine in reducing the salivary mutans streptococci count and equieffective to chlorhexidine in altering plaque and gingival scores.Conclusion:Herbal alternatives can prove to be an effective and safe alternative to conventional modes of treatment.

Comparison in Benefits of Herbal Mouthwashes With Chlorhexidine Mouthwash: A Review

“…vera mouthwash, mixture of Terminalia chebula and cinnamon, mixture of Staphysagria, Chamomilla, Echinacea, Plantago, Ocimum, and cistus extracts, mouthwashes with turmeric, neem and triphala, mixture of Acacia Arabica, Punica granatum, Chameli leaves, Glycyrrhiza glabra and neem shows significant reduction of plaque indices and gingival scores comparatively to chlorhexidine mouthwash and can be a better alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash [1,33,34].…”

“…Although chlorhexidine has anti-microbial activity and good choice for effective plaque control by dentist in clinics, it cannot be used for long duration because it has various side effects such as taste alteration, supragingival calculus formation and desquamation of oral mucosa and also restricted usage in pediatric patients [37,38]. It also causes extrinsic staining while using beverages like tea and coffee [33]. Numerous studies have been conducted in comparison of chlorhexidine with herbal mouthwash.…”

“…It has a similar anti-plaque action to chlorhexidine [39]. Recent study on mixture of Staphysagria, Chamomilla, Echinacea, plantago, Ocimum, and cistus extracts used as mouth wash which was better than chlorhexidine in reducing salivary mutants streptococci count [33]. Herbal extracts such as chamomile retard biofilm formation and prevent gingival inflammation, Ocimum have anti-microbial effect on S. mutans, Echinacea which is an immunestimulator, anti-microbial, and antiinflammatory agent.…”

Effect of antimicrobial activity of Teucrium polium on oral Streptococcus mutans: a randomized cross-over clinical trial study

“…In studies that investigate the antimicrobial effects of mouthwashes, the duration of the washout period is usually two to three weeks [26,28]. In the current study, the washout period was three weeks after which the S. mutans value did not return to the initial level.…”

Effect of Herbal Water, Ozonated Water, Water, and Chlorhexidine Mouthrinses on Oral Health Status of Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…4,5 But the long-term use of CHX possess few adverse effects which have restricted its usage in pediatric age group and necessitated the search for alternatives. 6,7 An effective and safe alternative to CHX mouthwash is herbal products which have lesser side effects, cheaper, and locally available. 2,4,5 Tulsi is an aromatic shrub from the basil family Lamiaceae (Tribe ocimeae) and is one of the best examples of ayurveda's holistic lifestyle approach to health.…”