Comparison of efficacy of ozonated oil and chlorhexidine gel in the management of gingivitis

Context: Gingivitis is the most common inflammatory diseases of supporting tissues of teeth. Role of microbial aetiology and host response in progression of gingival diseases has been well established. The most common variant; plaque induced gingivitis is an inflammatory process, limited to the gingiva, resulting from bacteria located at the gingival margin. To prevent gingivitis and its progression to periodontitis, daily and effective supra-gingival plaque control methods are considered the most effective methods to regain and maintain dental and periodontal health. Chlorhexidine is considered to be the “gold standard” agent for chemical plaque control methods, as it is a broad spectrum antiseptic. However, chlorhexidine is discouraged because of its unpleasant taste and undesirable side effects such as tooth staining. The objective of this article is find alternative treatment methods. Aim: With this aim we investigate the application of ozonated oil and compare its efficacy with that of chorhexidine in treatment of plaque induced gingivitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 50 subjects, aged from 18 to 70 years, with plaque induced gingivitis were selected from the outpatient Department of Periodontology, Hazaribag College of Dental Sciences, Hazaribag, for this study. They were divided randomly into the test or ozonated oil group (Group I) and the control or chlorhexidine gel group (Group II) with 25 subjects in each group. Subjects were instructed to gently massage their gingiva thrice a day for 3 weeks with the drug. Plaque index and gingival index scores were recorded for all the subjects at baseline and after 3 weeks. Results: Ozonated oil (Group I) and chlorhexidine gel (Group II) groups showed statistically significant differences with respect to plaque index and gingival index, from the baseline to 3 weeks (P < 0.001 in both). But the difference between Group I and Group II, at the end of the study period, was not statistically significant with respect to the plaque index and gingival index. Conclusions: The ozonated oil and chlorhexidine gel both can be used as an effective agent in maintaining and improving gingival health. But the added benefit of ozonated oil over chlorhexidine is freedom from side effects like unpleasant taste and staining of teeth.