Active Leptospermum Honey as a Local Drug Delivery Agent in patients with Chronic Periodontitis: A Clinico-Biochemical Study

Abstract

Background: Antibacterial agents have always been the part and parcel in the treatment of periodontal infection. One such known agent is Active Leptospermum Honey (ALH) which has been the most studied species of medical grade honey used for the treatment of wounds and burns. Therefore, this study revolves around evaluating the efficacy of active leptospermum honey as a local drug delivery (LDD) agent on probing pocket depth (PPD), relative attachment level (RAL), and periodontal pocket pH. Materials and Methods: Based on the study's inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 100 sites with probing pocket depth of ≥ 5mm in posterior region will be selected. The sites will be grouped as: Test Group: 50 sites, Control Group: 50 sites, following the assessment of baseline clinical and biochemical parameters. At the baseline appointment, each patient received full mouth scaling and root planning (SRP). They were called back after 48 hours. Following the assessment of biochemical parameters by using pH test paper strips, MEDIHONEY® was placed as a local drug delivery (LDD) agent in test sites. In control sites only SRP was done. Patients were recalled after 30 days following LDD to reassess only gingival index, plaque index and biochemical parameters. Patients were recalled at 90 days following LDD for the reassessment of all clinical and biochemical parameters. Results: Plaque and gingival inflammation reduced in both groups but test group showed more reduction. Pocket depths were reduced significantly in test site. There was significant pH reduction in test sites. Clinical attachment level was also seen to be improved in the sites which were tested. Conclusion: When administered locally, Active Leptospermum Honey demonstrated lessening of PPD, gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI), as well as higher levels of clinical attachment (CA).