Microbiological and Clinical evaluation of Neem gel and Chlorhexidine gel on Dental Plaque and Gingivitis in 20-30 Years Old Adults: A Randomized Parallel-Armed, Double-Blinded Controlled Trial.

Background: The etiological relationship between the plaque and the gingival inflammation has been long established. The long-term use of chemical antiplaque agents may lead to side effects such as teeth staining and alteration of taste. Therefore, natural plant extracts with potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity have been explored, which are equally effective and safe for long-term use.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate effect of neem gel and chlorhexidine (CHX) gel on dental plaque, gingivitis, and bacterial count of and among 20-30-year-old school teachers in a city of western Maharashtra, over 90 days' usage.

Materials And Methods: A double-blind, parallel armed, controlled, randomized clinical study was conducted among 60 school teachers of 20-30 years' age group for 90 days. The two study groups were as follows: Group A--2.5% neem gel ( = 30) and Group B--0.2% CHX gel ( = 30). The plaque scores were recorded by Plaque Index (Löe H. The gingival index, the plaque index and the retention index systems. J Periodontol 1967;38:610-6) and gingival scores by Gingival Index (Löe H, Silness J. Periodontal disease in pregnancy. Acta Odontol Scand 1963;21:533-51). and species count by conventional culture method was carried out at baseline, 30th day and 90thday. Considering value <0.05 as statistically significant, intergroup comparison was performed using unpaired test. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used followed by Tukey's test for intragroup comparison.

Results: The mean plaque, gingival scores, and microbial count of and showed significant reduction at 30th and 90th day in neem gel group as well as CHX gel group ( < 0.05). None of the parameter showed any significant change at 30th and 90th day ( > 0.05) on intergroup comparison.

Conclusion: The neem gel showed significant decrease in dental plaque, gingival inflammation, and microbial counts, which was comparable to CHX gel proving to be a good herbal alternative. No side effects were reported for use of neem gel over considered period of time.