Abstract
In the present study the effect of Myrrh and Miswak mouthwashes (MWs) on plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation were compared with chlorhexidine gluconate MW 0.2%. This study was blind randomized clinical trial. Thirty female patients with chronic gingivitis participated in this study and were divided into three groups. Gingival and plaque indices were recorded at baseline and after 3 weeks. Subjects of each group were asked to rinse one of the mouthwashes (Chlorhexidine, Miswak, or Myrrh) twice a day for 3 weeks. Supra and subgingival Scaling were performed and oral hygiene instructions were given for all participants. The mean of gingival and plaque indices have showed an improvement after rinsing with the mouthwashes. The greatest improvement was within the Myrrh group among all three groups for both plaque (mean=.0800) and gingival index (mean=0.190). Present data indicates that the use of mouthwashes of any kind alone is not regarded substitute of mechanical tooth brushing. The effect of Myrrh and Miswak MWs in controlling plaque accumulation and reducing gingival inflammation was found to be comparable to that of CHX. However Myrrh has proven to be more effective than Miswak.