Comparative Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of Turmeric and Chlorhexidine Gel as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing in the Treatment of Gingivitis

BACKGROUND: Dental plaque is a complex ecosystem which consists of densely packed microbial colonies, microbial by-products, salivary glycoproteins and desquamated epithelial cells. Clinical studies have proved the relationship between plaque and periodontal disease. AIM: This study compares the anti-plaque efficacy and anti-inflammatory potential of turmeric gel with 0.2% chlorhexidine gel along with scaling and root planing (SRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty individuals were selected and divided into three groups for the study. Group A was instructed to use 0.2% chlorhexidine gel, whereas Group B used turmeric gel along with SRP. Participants were assessed for plaque and gingivitis on the 14(th) and 21(st) days. Subjective and objective criteria were assessed. The clinical data were recorded and used for statistical analysis to obtain results. RESULTS: The percentage reduction of plaque index (PI) between the chlorhexidine and turmeric gel on 21(st) day were 74.85 and 65.91 respectively. similarly, the percentage reduction of gingival index (GI) between the chlorhexidine and turmeric gel on 21(st) day were 58.49 and 62.46 respectively. CONCLUSION: Turmeric gel shows a slightly lower anti-plaque property in comparison to chlorhexidine gel. Their effect on a reduction of gingival inflammation was equal. It was also noted that turmeric gel showed better acceptability and biocompatibility by the participants.