Topical Chlorhexidine and Metronidazole Gels for Gingival Inflammation

A Comparative Evaluation of Two Different Types of Commercially Available Topical Gels as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing in Management of Gingival Inflammation - A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled clinical trial was undertaken to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of chlorhexidine gluconate gel (1%) alone and a combination gel containing chlorhexidine gluconate (0.5%) with metronidazole (1.5%) as adjuncts to scaling and root planing in the management of gingival inflammation over a period of 12 weeks.

120 participants were assigned to three groups: scaling and root planing with placebo gel, scaling and root planing with 1% chlorhexidine gluconate gel, and scaling and root planing with a combination of 0.5% chlorhexidine gluconate and 1.5% metronidazole gel. Clinical periodontal parameters were assessed to compare the effectiveness of the interventions in reducing plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients aged between 18- 50 years.
2. Patients with at least >20 teeth.
3. Patients with gingivitis and stage-1 grade A periodontitis.
4. Patients with clinical criteria of gingival index ≥ 1 (Loe and Silness).
5. Systematically healthy patient with no co-morbidities.
6. History of no active periodontal treatment in the last 6 months.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of smoking or use of smokeless tobacco.
2. Pregnant or lactating females.
3. Subjects with removal or fixed dental prosthesis and undergoing orthodontic treatment.
4. Use of antibiotics in the last 30 days.
5. Subjects with hematological disorders, immunocompromised and any other systemic illnesses.
6. History of chronic alcoholism.
7. Allergic to Metronidazole or Chlorhexidine.
8. Patients on medications that have effects on gingival enlargements.