A comparative clinical evaluation of the effect of chamomile, Aloe Vera and chlorhexidine 0.12% mouthwash on gingival health among visually impaired

Abstract

Oral health is considered of paramount importance for visually impaired individuals due to the difficulties they face to maintain a good oral hygiene practice in different aspects, knowledge, physical and social. Thus, the provision of adequate training and education about oral health and the chemical role of mouthwashes is required for this group of society. This research aims at comparing the effect of various types of mouthwashes on gingival health among visually impaired persons. 92 students with a vision impairment of ages between (10-20) years suffering from gingivitis caused by dental plaque accumulation were included in this research. The sample was divided into 4 groups according to the type of used mouthwash as follows:1) Chamomile group, 2) Aloe Vera group, 3) Chlorhexidine group, 4) Distilled water group.Dental plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were recorded before the initiation of the treatment and after 15 days. One-way (ANOVA test) and the (Bonferroni test) were used for results analysis at p<0.05. Statistical analyses were completed using (SPSS) software –v13. Aloe Vera and CHX groups have improved the dental plaque index (PI) without significant statistical differences. Both (CHX and Aloe Vera) have proven superiority over the Chamomile group which was statistically significant. Gingival index (GI) has improved in the Chamomile, Aloe Vera, and CHX groups without any statistical differences.: Within the limitation of our study, we concluded that (Aloe Vera) mouthwashes can be used as a substitute to CHX in controlling plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation among visually impaired persons. Also, Chamomile mouthwashes have a distinguished impact on gingival inflammation, yet more researches are required.