Randomised controlled trial comparing the clinical effectiveness of mouthwashes based on essential oils, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide and prebiotic in gingivitis treatment.

Aim: The present clinical study aimed to investigate the clinical efficacy of 5 types of mouthwash based on different active substances.

Materials And Methods: The study included 180 patients divided into 6 groups of 30 patients, each group rinsing with one of the following types of mouthwash based on: essential oils, combination of essential oils and 0.12% chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide (0.8%), prebiotic, 0.2% chlorhexidine, and placebo. All participants underwent professional mechanical plaque removal after which they were instructed to rinse with 15 ml mouthwash 2 times a day for 21 days. During the study period, patients were monitored at days 0, 14, and 21, examining oral hygiene index, gingival index, bleeding index, and presence of side effects.

Results: Gingival index, bleeding index, and oral hygiene index were reduced statistically significantly in all treatment groups. Adjunctive use of mouthwashes demonstrated better clinical effectiveness compared to mechanical plaque control (and placebo mouthwash). The gingival index and the plaque index were reduced most significantly in the group using mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide. The bleeding index decrease was most significant in the group using 0.2% chlorhexidine.

Conclusions: All tested mouthwashes demonstrated significant clinical effectiveness in different degrees in gingivitis treatment. New formulas with prebiotic and combination of essential oils and chlorhexidine indicate promising effectiveness.