Abstract
Objective: The aim of the present short-term follow-up study was to assess the effect of scaling and root planing (SRP) with and without adjunct use of an essential-oil-based mouthwash (EOBM) on whole salivary interleukin (IL)-1beta (beta) levels in patients with periodontal disease. Methods: Ninety individuals with periodontal disease were divided into two groups. Patients in group 1 underwent SRP and were instructed to rinse with 10 mL of an EOBM twice daily for 30 days. Patients in group 2 underwent SRP and were instructed to rinse with 10 mL of water twice daily for 30 days. Whole saliva samples were collected, and IL-1 beta levels were measured at baseline and after 60 days of treatment. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: At baseline, whole salivary IL-1 beta levels were comparable among patients in groups 1 (135.6 +/- 13.5 mu g/mL) and 2 (141.2 +/- 5.4 mu g/mL). After 60 days of follow-up, there is a significant decrease in whole salivary IL-1 beta levels among patients in group 1 (10.2 +/- 6.4 mu g/mL) as compared to those in group 2 (56.6 +/- 10.2 mu g/mL) (P < 0.01). Conclusion: SRP, when performed with adjunct use of an EOBM, is more effective in reducing whole salivary IL-1 beta levels as compared to when SRP is performed without the use of an EOBM.