ABSTRACT
Introduction: Due to inherent limitations of chlorhexidine, search for an effective and potentially safe anti-plaque agent has led to emergence of alternative products. Aim: To evaluate and compare the effects of Oral Pal Plus mouth rinse and chlorhexidine on dental plaque and gingivitis. Materials and Methods: The present study was randomized parallel group controlled trial. A group of 90 healthy subjects in the age group of 18-21 yrs received complete supragingival scaling at baseline and study variables viz, Plaque index and Gingival index were recorded. Subjects were then randomly divided into three groups (30 in each group) and were randomly intervened with three different mouthwashes. ie, Chlorhexidine, Oral Pal Plus and normal saline. Variables were again recorded on the 7th day 14th day after use of mouthwashes and data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. Results: There was statistically significant reduction in plaque and gingival scores from baseline to 14 days in both the groups A & B. Conclusion: Chlorhexidine (0.2%) and Oral Pal Plus mouthwash showed significantly reduction in plaque scores and gingival scores whereas no improvement was seen in Group C using normal saline over 14 days. (AU)