Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of probiotic, Aloe vera, povidine-iodine, and chlorhexidine mouthwashes in the treatment of gingival inflammation: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Chemical plaque control with mouthwashes as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control with a toothbrush and dental floss has been considered an effective method for controlling gingivitis. The anti-inflammatory effects of chemical plaque control benefit the oral tissues by reducing inflammation and bleeding. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of probiotic, Aloe vera, povidine-iodine, and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwashes in treating gingivitis patients by assessing changes in their clinical parameters. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective study was conducted on 40 patients from our outpatient department, divided into 4 groups of 10 patients each: probiotic mouthwash group (group 1); herbal (Aloe vera) mouthwash group (group 2); povidone-iodine mouthwash group (group 3); and CHX mouthwash group (group 4). All participants were provided with the same type of manual toothbrush, the Pepsodent® toothpaste and a respective mouthwash for twice-daily use until the end of a 28-day observation period. Clinical parameters, such as the marginal plaque index (MPI) and bleeding on interdental brushing (BOIB), were recorded at baseline, and on the 14th and 28th day of the study period. RESULTS: All groups showed a significant decrease in the MPI and BOIB scores. The results were similar in patients who used a probiotic mouthwash and those who used a CHX mouthwash. A comparable change in the mean scores was observed among the herbal and povidone-iodine groups from baseline to day 28. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of chronic gingivitis patients,a probiotic mouthwash was nearly as effective as CHX in reducing the plaque and bleeding scores. It showed better results in all clinical parameters than herbal and povidone-iodine mouthwashes. Using a mouthwash along with routine tooth brushing can help in treating gingivitis and slow the progression of the periodontal disease.

Evaluation of soft tissue and crestal bone changes around non-submerged implants with and without a platelet-rich fibrin membrane: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membranes are known to enhance wound healing after periodontal surgeries and dental implant procedures. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of PRF on soft tissue healing and the crestal bone level (CBL) around non-submerged dental implants. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 40 patients, aged 20-60 years, with partially edentulous posterior mandibular sites were divided into 2 groups of 20 patients each: group I received non-submerged implants with a PRF membrane; and group II was treated with non-submerged implants alone. The examined parameters included the modified plaque index (mPI), the gingival index (GI), the width of keratinized tissue (WKT), the thickness of keratinized tissue (TKT), and CBL, assessed using digital intraoral periapical radiography (IOPA). All parameters were measured at baseline (immediately post-op), and at 3-month and 6-month follow-ups. RESULTS: In comparison with baseline, statistically significant increases in WKT and TKT were observed in both groups at 3 and 6 months post-op (p < 0.05). Also, significant gains were noted in group I vs. group II (p < 0.05). The CBL increased significantly in both groups at 3 and 6 months post-op (p < 0.05), with no remarkable differences from 3 to 6 months. A decreased CBL was observed in group I vs. group II at the 3- and 6-month intervals (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The PRF membrane enhances peri-implant tissue wound healing, with gains in soft tissue width and thickness around non-submerged implants.