Anirudh Baraskar, Anuj Singh Parihar, Sumit Narang 

ABSTRACT

Background: Plaque-induced gingivitis is a significant oral health concern globally. While chlorhexidine (CHX) remains the gold standard for chemical plaque control, its associated side effects necessitate the evaluation of effective and safer alternatives. Aim: This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of probiotic, herbal (HiOra), and 0.2% CHX mouthwashes on inflammatory parameters. Methods: 90 patients with plaque-induced gingivitis were randomized into three groups: Group A (Probiotic), Group B (Herbal), and Group C (0.2% CHX). Clinical parameters, including the Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S), were recorded at baseline and on the 7th, 15th, and 30th days. Results: All groups showed significant improvement from baseline to 30 days (p < 0.05). CHX demonstrated the most significant reduction in PI, GI, and OHI-S throughout the study. Probiotic mouthwash showed considerable clinical improvement, functioning as a potent biologically based adjunct. The herbal mouthwash also exhibited beneficial effects, though they were less pronounced than the other two formulations. Conclusion: CHX remains the most effective option for short-term plaque control. However, probiotic mouthwash offers a promising, safe alternative for enhancing gingival health in routine periodontal care.