Comparison of curcumin topical nanogel and chlorhexidine mouthwash for the treatment of chronic gingivitis: A randomized clinical trial

Gingivitis is an inflammation of oral soft tissue without attachment loss as a result of bacterial aggregation. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of topical curcumin nanodrug gel and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash on the treatment of gingivitis. In this study, 40 patients who had generalized chronic gingivitis and symptoms of redness and inflammation of the gums, as well as bleeding on probing (BOP) without attachment loss were enrolled and divided into two groups of 20 members. In one group, scaling and root planing (SRP) with the use of CHX 0.2% (twice a day for a week) was prescribed, and in the other group, SRP was done with the use of topical curcumin 1% nanogel (once a day), which was injected in gingival sulcus. Then, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and BOP were measured and compared at three times (before treatment, 2 weeks and one month after treatment). 5 patients did not attend in the follow-up sessions; therefore, the results were presented with 35 patients. BOP, GI, and PI significantly reduced in the first, second, and third times in both CHX and curcumin groups (P ≤ 0.04). The average of PI in CHX group was higher than that in curcumin group in the second and third times, but the difference was statistically significant only in the third time (P = 0.014). Based on the results of this study, curcumin as an herbal compound in gel form significantly improves gum status and clinical parameters (BOP, GI, and PI); therefore, it can be used in addition to mechanical treatments.