Efficacy of Aloe Vera versus Chlorhexidine 0.12% Mouthwashes for Management of Biofilm Induced Gingivitis in Fixed Orthodontic Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial with Microbiological Analysis.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of Aloe vera (99%) mouthwash with Chlorhexidine (0.12%) mouthwash as adjunctive to self-performed oral hygiene measures in managing biofilm-induced gingivitis in patients under fixed orthodontic treatment. Methods: Forty patients under fixed orthodontic treatment with biofilm-induced gingivitis were randomly allocated into two groups. Group I (test group, n = 20) used Aloe Vera mouthwash, and Group II (control group, n = 20) used Chlorohexidine mouthwash at 0.12%. All patients received the intervention twice daily for 14 14-day treatment period followed by a 14-day treatment-free period. The clinical parameters (plaque index PI, gingival index GI, and gingival bleeding index GBI) were measured at baseline, 14 days, and 28 days. Microbiological sampling was also performed on the elastic rings using thioglycolate media. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in all clinical parameters in both groups at 14 and 28 days when compared to baseline. The total percentage of change in PI in Group I was (-45,7%) while Group II was (-37.5%), while the difference in PI, GI, and GBI was not significant between groups at different time intervals with p-value (p>0.05). Conclusion Aloe vera mouthwash was as effective as Chlorohexidine in reducing plaque and gingivitis. So, it can be considered a preventive home care therapy in orthodontic patients due to affordability, availability, and sustainability. Keywords: Aloe Vera, biofilm-induced gingivitis, Chlorohexidine, Orthodontic treatment.