Abstract
Objective: The aim of the present short-term follow-up study was to assess the effects of scaling and root planing (SRP) with or without adjunctive use of an essential-oil-based mouthwash in the treatment of periodontal inflammation in smokers. Methods: In total, 120 individuals were divided into 2 groups. In Group-1, 60 smokers with periodontal inflammation received SRP alone; and in Group-2, 60 smokers with periodontal inflammation received adjunct essential-oil mouthwash therapy. Periodontal parameters (plaque index [PI], bleeding-on-probing [BOP], and probing pocket depth [PD] >= 4 mm) were assessed at baseline and after 90 days of treatment. Results: There was no signifi cant difference in periodontal parameters (PI, BOP, and PD >= 4 mm) among participants in Group-1 and -2. Participants in both groups showed signifi cant reductions in PI (P < 0.01), BOP (P < 0.01), and PD >= 4 mm (P < 0.01) at follow-up compared to base line. At 90 days of follow-up, PI (P < 0.05), BOP (P < 0.05), and PD >= 4 mm (P < 0.05) were signifi cantly higher in Group-1 compared to Group-2. Conclusions: SRP with adjunct essential-oil mouthwash therapy is more effective in the treatment of periodontal infl ammation in smokers as compared to when SRP is performed alone.