Efficacy of Ayurvedic drugs as compared to chlorhexidine in management of chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled clinical study

BACKGROUND: In India, Ayurveda is considered to be more effective and cheaper than modern medicine. Ayurvedic literature shows its use in treating oral diseases also. However, their effectiveness, in comparison with the allopathic mode of management, has not been assessed previously. The aim of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to compare the efficacy of ayurvedic drugs over chlorhexidine in treating chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred and eight participants, in the age group 20–49 years, suffering from mild-to-moderate chronic periodontitis were included in this study. Community periodontal index for treatment needs (CPITN) score was recorded, and oral prophylaxis was done for each patient. They were then randomly divided into 6 groups: control group (I), chlorhexidine (II), Khadiradi vati (III), Dashansanskar churana (IV), Neem (V), and Apamarga (VI); based on the drugs used by patients for the maintenance of oral hygiene after oral prophylaxis. Patients were recalled at 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after oral prophylaxis. CPITN score was re-recorded for each patient at each follow-up. Reduction in CPITN score indicated improvement in the periodontal health. Observations were statistically analyzed using univariate ANOVA and P value was set at <0.5. RESULTS: Improvement in CPITN scores in 6 groups was as follows: I – 42.0%, II – 76.37%, III – 82.03%, IV – 83.46%, V – 78.8%, and VI – 29.9%. Higher mean percentage improvement was seen when patients used these drugs for 3 months as compared to 1 month. CONCLUSION: Dashansanskar churana and Khadiradi vati showed better results than chlorhexidine and were found to be superior in managing mild-to-moderate cases of chronic periodontitis.