Efficacy of Xanthan-Based Chlorhexidine Gel on the Levels of Interleukin-1β in Chronic Periodontitis: An Interventional Study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Xanthan-based chlorhexidine gel (Chlosite®) is a local drug delivery system that exposes the sub-gingival bacteria to the effects of chlorhexidine (CHX) for a prolonged time. Hence, the study aimed at evaluating the clinical efficacy of the subgingival application of Chlosite gel as an adjunctive to mechanical scaling and root planing (SRP) and at evaluating the salivary interleukin (IL)-1β level to substantiate the clinical efficacy of xanthan-based CHX gel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total number of 40 patients with chronic periodontitis in the age group of 30–50 years were enrolled in this interventional study. The patients were assigned to group A, in which only SRP was done, and group B, in which SRP along with the subgingival application of Chlosite gel was done. Periodontal parameters and salivary IL-1β level were evaluated, and the data obtained were statistically analyzed by using paired and unpaired “t” tests. RESULTS: The results obtained showed a statistically significant reduction in the mean gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and salivary IL-1β values in both the groups from baseline to 30 days. There was a statistically significant reduction in GI, in group B when compared with group A, after the treatment. Salivary IL-1β value in group B was slightly lower when compared with group A after the treatment, but it was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: The xanthan-based CHX gel is therapeutically effective when used as an adjunct to SRP. The study also indicated that salivary IL-1β can be used as a reliable biomarker.