Journal of Dental Medicine

Background and Aims: There is an increased risk of periodontal diseases in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is frequently used to promote oral hygiene; however, it is associated with several complications. Herbal mouthwashes can be used as the substitute without having similar complications. The aim the present study was to compare the effects of herbal mouthwashes (Matrica and Persica) with CHX 0.2% on the periodontal parameters of patients under fixed orthodontic treatment.

Materials and Methods: In a double-blind randomized clinical trial, 84 patients under fix orthodontic treatment were selected. After receiving oral hygiene instruction, the patients were randomly assigned to four groups (group 1: Matrica, group 2: Persica, group 3: CHX 0.02%, group 4: normal saline). Dental plaque scores (PI), gingival inflammation (GI) and papillary bleeding (PBI) indices were measured at the beginning, 1 week after receiving oral hygiene instructions and 30 days after mouthwash consumption. The scores of the periodontal indices were statistically analyzed by Kruskal Wallis, ANOVA the paired Mann-whitney U test and Tukey test.

Results: All of the indices were significantly reduced in study groups (except for the control). Matrica and Persica mouthwashes were similarly effective in improving the periodontal parameters. Their efficacy in decreasing the PBI scores was significantly higher than CHX 0.2% (P<0.01).

Conclusion: Application of the two herbal mouthwashes was effective in improving the periodontal parameters in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.