RESUMEN
Aim: The objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of oil pulling with virgin olive oil and chlorhexidine mouthwash in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Material and Methods: A total of sixty subjects satisfying the inclusion criteria were selected. The subjects were then randomly divided into two groups of thirty each. Group I used oil pulling with olive oil and Group II used 0.2% chlorhexidine as mouthwash. The plaque index and modified gingival index scores were measured at baseline, first week and second week. Results: The results showed that there was statistically significant reduction of mean plaque and gingivitis scores from baseline to first week and second week in both olive oil (p<0.05) and chlorhexidine group (p<0.05). There was significant difference in mean plaque scores between olive oil group and chlorhexidine group at second week (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in mean gingivitis scores between olive oil group and chlorhexidine group at second week (p<0.05). Conclusions: Oil pulling with virgin olive oil was found to be effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis. Regular and proper oil pulling with virgin olive oil can therefore be recommended as a routine home-based practice in promoting oral health.