Effectiveness of Moringa oleifera Mouthwash in Young Adults as an Anti Plaque Agent – An Interventional Study

Background: Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the oral cavity’s supportive structures, including gums and surrounding bone. Herbal mouthwashes have phytopharmacological agents such as Moringa oleifera (MO), and the use of herbal mouthwash has increased. Moringa mouthwash has potential for oral health due to its biocompatibility and anti-inflammatory effect. This study compares the effect of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) and moringa mouthwash on plaque and its reduction. Methodology: The in vitro tests included the determination of minimum inhibitory concentration using broth dilution and agar diffusion. This interventional study included 25 individuals with more than 1 plaque score. The study was conducted for 2 months with a washout period of 2 weeks between the use of both mouthwashes. The Quigley–Hein Plaque Index of the study subjects was recorded at the designated baseline and after 28 days of use throughout the study period. The statistical test used was the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and the level of significance was considered to be <0.05. Results: The results showed that the reduction in the mean plaque scores from baseline to day 28 was statistically significant in the moringa-based mouthwash. Similarly, the index scores showed a statistically significant reduction following the use of the moringa-based mouthwash when compared with the gold-standard chlorhexidine mouthwash with P = 0.00. The comparison showed that MO offered the same improvement as CHX. Conclusion: The current study aimed to provide an insight role of MO mouthwash as a possible adjunctive oral hygiene aid and its inhibitory effect on plaque reduction when compared to CHX.