Abstract
Objective: The aim of the present short-term follow-up study was to compare the effects of an essential oil (EO)-based oral rinse and chlorhexidine as adjuncts to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of periodontal inflammation. Methods: In Group-1, SRP was performed and participants were instructed to rinse with EO-based oral rinse; in Group-2, SRP was performed and participants were instructed to rinse with chlorhexidine; and in Group-3, SRP was performed and participants were instructed to rinse with water. Periodontal parameters (plaque index [PI], bleeding-on-probing [BOP], and probing pocket depth [PPD] >= 4 mm) were assessed at baseline and after 7 and 30 days. Results: In all groups, periodontal parameters (PI, BOP, and PPD >= 4 mm) were comparable at baseline. In Groups-1 and -2, there was a significant reduction in PI (P < 0.01), BOP (P < 0.01), and PD >= 4 mm after 7 days and 30 days of follow-up than baseline. In Group-3, there was a significant reduction in PI (P < 0.01) and BOP (P < 0.01) after 7 days of follow-up compared to baseline. There was no difference in periodontal parameters after 7 days and 30 days of follow-up in Groups-1 and -2. Conclusion: EO-based oral rinses and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) are acceptable adjuncts to SRP in the treatment of periodontal inflammation.