A Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial on the Clinical and Microbiological Efficacy of Punica granatum Linn Mouthwash

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a mouthwash containing Punica granatum L as compared to 0.12% chlorhexidine digluconate on the control of dental biofilm and gingival inflammation. Material and Methods: A randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial was carried out comprising a sample of 35 students aged nine to twelve years having Simplified Oral Hygiene Index value equal to or higher than 1.6, with at least 20 teeth. The sample was divided into two groups: group A, administration of 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash twice a day for 14 days; and group B, administration of Punica granatum mouthwash (6.25%) following the same protocol described above. The Plaque Index (PI) and Bleeding on Probing Index (BPI) were used to evaluate biofilm control and gingival inflammation on days 0, 7 and 14. Counting of oral streptococci from saliva samples was also performed on days 0 and 14. The data were analyzed using Student’s t test and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Results: The findings showed that P. granatum mouthwash reduced the mean values of PI and BPI, but with no significant difference. However, there was a significant reduction in the counting of oral streptococci. In the control group, all variables were found to be significantly reduced. Conclusion: Punica granatum mouthwash was not effective for the control of dental biofilm and gingival inflammation, but it was effective in reducing the counting of oral streptococci.