Efficacy of 0.75% Boric Acid and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Subgingival Irrigation as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing In the Treatment of Gingivitis. A Comparative Clinico-Microbiological Study

Abstract

Aim: Boric acid has been reported to have antibacterial and antiinflammatory properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of 0.75% boric acid irrigation as an adjunct to scaling and root planing on clinical and microbiological parameters and compare this method with 0.2% chlorhexidine and saline irrigation in patients with chronic gingivitis.Methods: 60 patients were recruited and divided equally into three groups: I. Saline group, II.0.2% chlorhexidine group and III. 0.75% boric acid group. Subgingival plaque samples were collected after supragingival scaling, prior to subgingival irrigation and processed immediately for analysis of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia. At baseline, 2 weeks and one month after SRP, clinical parameters including plaque index, gingival index, sulcular bleeding index, probing pocket depth were assessed along with the subgingival plaque sample.Results: Significant reduction in clinical parameters and mean levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella intermedia were noted at 2 weeks and one-month in all treatment groups. A significantly greater mean reduction of Porphyromonas gingivalis was found in the 0.75% boric acid group. Conclusion:0.75% boric acid irrigation could be considered as an adjunct to scaling and root planning in the treatment of patients with moderate to severe gingivitis.