Comparison of the Effect of Herbal Mouthwashes and Chlorhexidine on Gingival Healing After Crown Lengthening Surgery (A Clinical Trial)

Chlorhexidine is the gold standard of dental plaque prevention. This clinical study assessed the use of a herbal mouthwash (containing thyme, Mentha piperita, and Tanacetum balsamita) to eliminate the negative effects of chlorhexidine mouthwash on crown lengthening post-operative healing.

Patients were randomly assigned to four groups (n=15) according to the use of different mouthwashes: chlorhexidine, herbal, herbal-chlorhexidine, and normal saline. Modified gingival index (MGI) and plaque index (PI) were measured on the day of surgery. After two weeks, indices of mouthwash flavor, mouthwash preference, parotid gland swelling, tongue discoloration, staining index (SI), plaque index (PI), and modified gingival index (MGI) were measured. Data were analyzed using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests at 5% level.

As evidenced by the obtained results, herbal mouthwash significantly improved gingival inflammation and plaque indices (p < /em>= 0.008). Nevertheless, it demonstrated no significant difference with chlorhexidine mouthwash (MGI: 0.656 and PI: p < /em>=0.080). Furthermore, none of the adverse effects similar to chlorhexidine mouthwash was observed in the patients who used herbal mouthwash.

In comparison to chlorhexidine, herbal mouthwash has fewer side effects on parotid swelling indices, discoloration of the tongue and teeth, and taste improvement. It has also positive effects on the improvement of GI and PI indices similar to the chlorhexidine group; therefore, it can be alternatively used instead of chlorhexidine.