Miswak Efficacy Compared With Chlorhexidine

Overview

Gingivitis is a form of gum disease and is elicited by the accumulation of plaque on the tooth and the soft-tissue adjoining the tooth. Mouthwashes containing chemical or herbal substances are adjunctive tools in improving oral hygiene. Miswak mouthwash is a herbal mouthwash. Chlorhexidine mouthwash is the most efficient antimicrobial and antiplaque agent. The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of the miswak mouthwash with 0.12% chlorhexidine. This study was a blind randomized clinical trial. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients aged (20-55) years old who attended the Periodontics Clinics at College of Dentistry, Al-Iraqia University were allocated for use the mouthwash either miswak mouthwash or 0.12% chlorhexidine gluconate Kin Gingival® (Laboratorios KIN, Spain) twice daily (once in the morning and one before bedtime) for seven days. Gingival, bleeding, and plaque indices were recorded at baseline and after 7 days of treatment.

Gingivitis is the mildest form of gum disease and is elicited by the accumulation of plaque on the tooth and the soft-tissue adjoining the tooth. Accumulation of dental biofilm has been established as the initial cause of this disease. It is determined by redness of the gum margins, edema, bleeding upon brushing, and loss of periodontal attachment loss. Gingivitis exists in both acute and chronic forms. Acute gingivitis is identified as trauma, micro-organisms, and specific infections while chronic inflammation is related to bacterial biofilm which covers the gum and adjoining the teeth. Elimination and control of plaque are very important in the maintenance of periodontal health. Chlorhexidine mouthwash has is a tremendous effect when it is used as a mouthwash for a long time; therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends limiting the use of chlorhexidine mouthwash up to 6 months to minimize or limit its side effects. Additionally, the World Health Organization (WHO) encouraged to consider the possible use of herb extracts and natural plants mouthwashes instead of chemical mouthwash just as miswak mouthwash. Miswak mouthwash is a herbal mouthwash that is available locally and culturally accepted. It is prepared from a plant called Salvadora persica which comes from a tree (Arak) that grows in Africa and west India.