Efficacy of ozonated water and chlorhexidine mouth rinse against plaque and gingivitis: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of ozonated water and chlorhexidine mouth rinse against plaque and gingivitis. Materials and Methods: A randomized, double-blind clinical trial was conducted. A total of 54 patients suffering from generalized chronic gingivitis were chosen for the study. The trial period of 15 days was divided into three time-intervals, that is, baseline (0 day), 7th day and 15th day. The use of ozonated water, 0.2% chlorhexidine, and water irrigation was randomized. The clinical parameters such as plaque and gingival status were assessed using Turkesky-Gilmore-Glickman Modification of Quigley – Hein Plaque Index and Loe and Silness Gingival Index, respectively. The repeated one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc Bonferroni test was used for statistical analysis. The level of significance was considered at 5%. Results: The analysis was performed on 47 patients at the end of 15th day. There was a highly significant difference (P < 0.001) when the mean plaque and gingival scores were compared between three different interval of time. There was a significant difference (P = 0.002) when the mean plaque scores for chlorhexidine and water were compared. There was a significant difference when the mean gingival scores for ozonated water and chlorhexidine (P = 0.002) were compared. Conclusion: The results of this study demonstrate that ozonated water was as equally effective as chlorhexidine in reducing plaque and gingivitis with slight edge over chlorhexidine.