EFFICACY OF TRIPHALA MOUTHWASH IN THE TREATMENT OF PLAQUE INDUCED GINGIVITIS

Dr. Sirsat Jyoti D., Dr. Gosalia Aneri A.*, Dr. Shah Mona U., Dr. Doshi Yogesh S., Dr. Kevadia Vidhi N., Dr. Talat Mohammadi

ABSTRACT

Background: Triphala is a combination of three medicinal plants, extensively used in Ayurveda since ancient times. It is used as an antiplaque agent with minimal side effects that can be used as an effective adjunct to mechanical plaque control. The current study is designed to evaluate efficacy of Triphala mouthwash in comparison with the gold standard 0.2% Chlorhexidine in plaque induced gingivitis. Materials and Method: 30 Individuals with chronic generalized gingivitis were randomly assigned to three groups: Group I (n=10): using Triphala mouthwash (6%), Group II (n=10): using Chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.2%), Group III (n=10): using distilled water (Placebo). All participants were instructed to rinse with their respective mouthwash twice daily. All participants were re-examined after 15 days and 30 days and oral examination was done to record Plaque index, (PI) Gingival index, (GI) Oral hygiene index – simplified (OHIS) by the same examiner. Results: All the three groups showed gradual decrease in PI, GI and OHIS values from B/L to follow up visits at 15 days and 30 days. A significant reduction in PI, GI, and OHIS scores was observed for groups I, and II at all time intervals. There was a significant difference with respect to reduction in PI, GI and OHIS in group III compared with group II and group I. Conclusion: Triphala mouthwash has proven to be as effective as chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque accumulation in chronic generalized gingivitis patients.

Keywords: Triphala, Chlorhexidine, Mouthwash, Gingivitis.