Comparative efficacy of the Antiplaque Effect of Natural Honey Mouthwash and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash. A randomized controlled trial

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of natural Honey (10%) and chlorhexidine mouthwash (0.12%) on the dental plaque levels. Moreover, to evaluate the efficacy of natural Honey and chlorhexidine mouthwash on the level of dental plaque. Methods: This study was a single-centered randomized controlled trial conducted on participants attending the Dental OPD of Dar-ul-Sehat hospital in Karachi. A total of 60 participants were included in the trial from June 2020 to December 2020. The sample size was calculated using openepi after entering the mean and SD of the honey and chlorhexidine groups. The study included sixty male and female participants ranging in age from 18 to 25 years, and those with medical illness, missing teeth, and antimicrobial history were excluded from the study. The subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: Natural Honey or Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. The data was collected at the baseline and 14th day; the plaque was revealed using a disclosing solution. Their scores were recorded at four sites per tooth using the Silness-Loe plaque index criteria. Later, statistical analysis was performed to compare the effects of the two groups. P ? 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Our findings revealed that both groups effectively lowered the plaque score. However, it showed a more significant reduction in plaque indices in the honey group on Day 14 when compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash. Conclusion: Honey has been identified as a potent antibacterial agent with therapeutic properties. Based on the findings of this study, it is possible to conclude that gargling with the original honey 10% solution is effective in lowering dental plaque score. Honey can be used in relation to conventional treatments to protect dental plaque and gingivitis. More research will be needed to back up these preliminary findings. Moreover, the synergistic effect of Chlorhexidine with natural Honey must be investigated