Gingivitis InfectionNCT07822256
Chlorhexidine vs Essential Oil Mouthwash for Plaque Control
A study testing Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash and Essential Oil mouthwash in people with Gingivitis Infection and Dental Plaque, run by Rehman Medical Institute - RMI at 1 site in Pakistan.
Trial summary
Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can lead to gum disease if it is not removed regularly. Brushing and flossing help control plaque, but many people also use a mouthwash to help clean areas that are hard to reach. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 15 to 25 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Gingivitis Infection, Dental Plaque
- What is being tested?
- Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash and Essential Oil mouthwash
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 60 participants
- Where
- 1 sitePakistan
- Study dates
- 3 Feb 2026to 28 Aug 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 15 to 25 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Child, Adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 15-25 years
- Diagnosis of gingivitis (inflammatory condition of the gums without attachment or bone loss)
- Willingness to provide written informed consent (or parental/guardian consent plus assent, for minors)
Who cannot join
- Periodontitis
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine
- Any systemic disease that could affect periodontal health
- Current antibiotic therapy
- Presence of anterior composite restorations
- Visible enamel decalcification
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
About this study
Official title: Comparing the Antiplaque Effects of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash and Essential Oil-Containing Mouthwash in Patients Reporting to Rehman College of Dentistry: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can lead to gum disease if it is not removed regularly. Brushing and flossing help control plaque, but many people also use a mouthwash to help clean areas that are hard to reach.
This study compares two common types of mouthwash to see which one works better at reducing plaque: a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (a medicated antibacterial ingredient) and a mouthwash containing essential oils (natural plant-based ingredients). Both are widely used, but they work in different ways and may cause different side effects.
Read more
Sixty patients between the ages of 15 and 25 who had gum inflammation (gingivitis) took part. Half of the patients used the chlorhexidine mouthwash twice a day, and the other half used the essential oil mouthwash twice a day, for three months. Researchers measured the amount of plaque on each patient's teeth at the start of the study and again after three months, using a standard scoring method. They also recorded how well patients stuck to the mouthwash routine and any side effects they experienced, such as changes in taste, staining of the teeth, or a burning feeling in the mouth.
The goal of this study is to help patients and dental care providers understand the benefits and drawbacks of each mouthwash, so they can choose the option that best fits their needs - whether that is stronger plaque control for a short period of time, or a milder option that may be more comfortable for longer-term use.
Read the detailed description
Dental plaque is one of the main causes of gum inflammation and periodontal (gum) disease. While brushing and flossing remain the primary way to remove plaque, mechanical cleaning alone often cannot fully reach all tooth surfaces. As a result, chemical mouthwashes are commonly recommended as an additional way to control plaque.
Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash is considered one of the most effective plaque-control products because it kills a broad range of bacteria and stays active in the mouth for an extended period. However, longer-term use has been associated with side effects such as tooth staining and taste changes. Mouthwashes containing essential oils (plant-derived antibacterial ingredients such as thymol and menthol) are often used as a gentler alternative, though their plaque-reducing effect compared to chlorhexidine has varied across previous studies.
This randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Periodontics, Rehman College of Dentistry, Peshawar, from February 2026 to August 2026. Sixty participants aged 15-25 years with gingivitis (gum inflammation without bone or attachment loss) were enrolled and divided into two equal groups of 30. Group I used a 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash twice daily, and Group II used an essential oil mouthwash twice daily, both for a period of three months. Participants were selected using a non-probability consecutive sampling method, and all received professional teeth cleaning (scaling and polishing) before starting the study, followed by a 10-day period to allow a consistent starting point for plaque measurement.
Plaque levels were measured using the Silness and Löe Plaque Index, a standard scoring method that assesses plaque on six specific teeth at the start of the study and again after three months. The dental examiner who scored the plaque levels was not told which mouthwash each participant had been using, to reduce bias in the assessment. All participants were given the same basic oral hygiene instructions (brushing twice daily), so that any difference in outcomes could be more clearly linked to the mouthwash itself.
Researchers compared plaque scores, percentage reduction in plaque, participant compliance with the assigned mouthwash routine, and any reported side effects between the two groups. Statistical methods included ANCOVA to compare three-month plaque scores while accounting for each participant's starting plaque level, along with t-tests and chi-square tests for other comparisons.
The findings may help dental care providers and patients weigh the trade-offs between stronger antiplaque effects and a more favorable side-effect profile when choosing a mouthwash for short-term versus longer-term use.
- Conditions
- Gingivitis Infection, Dental Plaque
- Being tested
- Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash, Essential Oil mouthwash
- Keywords
- Chlorhexidine, Essential Oils, Mouthwash, Dental Plaque, Plaque Control
- Medical subject headings
- Dental Plaque
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Chlorhexidine Gluconate MouthwashDrug
A 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse used twice daily for 30 seconds over a three-month period. Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent with high substantivity, allowing it to bind to oral surfaces and provide sustained antiplaque action.
Essential Oil mouthwashDrug
An essential oil-containing oral rinse used twice daily over a three-month period. The formulation contains plant-derived antimicrobial compounds such as thymol and menthol, which act by disrupting microbial cell membrane integrity and reducing bacterial aggregation. Participants were instructed not to rinse with water after use.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorhexidine Mouthwash Group | Active comparator | Participants (n=30) used a 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash, gargling twice daily for 30 seconds, for a period of three months. All participants also received standard oral hygiene instructions, including brushing twice daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Receives: Drug: Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash |
| Essential Oil Mouthwash Group | Experimental | Participants (n=30) used an essential oil-containing mouthwash twice daily for three months. Participants were instructed not to swallow the mouthwash and not to rinse their mouth with water after gargling. All participants also received standard oral hygiene instructions, including brushing twice daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Receives: Drug: Essential Oil mouthwash |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Plaque Index Score
Dental plaque was measured using the Silness and Löe Plaque Index on six selected teeth (16, 11, 26, 36, 31, and 46), scoring each tooth's distal, buccal, mesial, and lingual/palatal surfaces from 0 (no plaque) to 3 (abundant plaque in the gingival sulcus or margin).
Measured: Baseline and 3 months
Secondary outcomes (2)
Percentage Reduction in Plaque Index
The percentage decrease in Plaque Index score from baseline to 3 months was calculated for each participant and compared between the chlorhexidine and essential oil mouthwash groups.
Measured: Baseline to 3 months
Incidence of Adverse Events
Adverse events associated with mouthwash use, including altered taste, tooth staining, and mild burning sensation, were recorded for each participant and compared
Measured: 3 months
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted16 Sep 2026
- Study start3 Feb 2026
- Primary completion10 Aug 2026
- Study completion28 Aug 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Gingivitis InfectionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Rehman Medical Institute - RMI
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Aimen Ishtiaq, Rehman Medical Institute - RMI
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07822256
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- RCD-PERIO-2026-01
- Status last verified
- Sep 2026
- First submitted
- 10 Sep 2026
- Last updated
- 16 Sep 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 16 Sep 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Comparing the Antiplaque Effects of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash and Essential Oil-Containing Mouthwash in Patients Reporting to Rehman College of Dentistry: A Randomized Clinical Trial
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07822256
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RCD-PERIO-2026-01
- Conditions
- Gingivitis Infection, Dental Plaque
- Keywords
- Chlorhexidine, Essential Oils, Mouthwash, Dental Plaque, Plaque Control
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 60 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Rehman Medical Institute - RMIUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 3 Feb 2026 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 10 Aug 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 28 Aug 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 16 Sep 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth and can lead to gum disease if it is not removed regularly. Brushing and flossing help control plaque, but many people also use a mouthwash to help clean areas that are hard to reach.
This study compares two common types of mouthwash to see which one works better at reducing plaque: a mouthwash containing chlorhexidine (a medicated antibacterial ingredient) and a mouthwash containing essential oils (natural plant-based ingredients). Both are widely used, but they work in different ways and may cause different side effects.
Sixty patients between the ages of 15 and 25 who had gum inflammation (gingivitis) took part. Half of the patients used the chlorhexidine mouthwash twice a day, and the other half used the essential oil mouthwash twice a day, for three months. Researchers measured the amount of plaque on each patient's teeth at the start of the study and again after three months, using a standard scoring method. They also recorded how well patients stuck to the mouthwash routine and any side effects they experienced, such as changes in taste, staining of the teeth, or a burning feeling in the mouth.
The goal of this study is to help patients and dental care providers understand the benefits and drawbacks of each mouthwash, so they can choose the option that best fits their needs - whether that is stronger plaque control for a short period of time, or a milder option that may be more comfortable for longer-term use.
Detailed description
Dental plaque is one of the main causes of gum inflammation and periodontal (gum) disease. While brushing and flossing remain the primary way to remove plaque, mechanical cleaning alone often cannot fully reach all tooth surfaces. As a result, chemical mouthwashes are commonly recommended as an additional way to control plaque.
Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash is considered one of the most effective plaque-control products because it kills a broad range of bacteria and stays active in the mouth for an extended period. However, longer-term use has been associated with side effects such as tooth staining and taste changes. Mouthwashes containing essential oils (plant-derived antibacterial ingredients such as thymol and menthol) are often used as a gentler alternative, though their plaque-reducing effect compared to chlorhexidine has varied across previous studies.
This randomized clinical trial was conducted at the Department of Periodontics, Rehman College of Dentistry, Peshawar, from February 2026 to August 2026. Sixty participants aged 15-25 years with gingivitis (gum inflammation without bone or attachment loss) were enrolled and divided into two equal groups of 30. Group I used a 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash twice daily, and Group II used an essential oil mouthwash twice daily, both for a period of three months. Participants were selected using a non-probability consecutive sampling method, and all received professional teeth cleaning (scaling and polishing) before starting the study, followed by a 10-day period to allow a consistent starting point for plaque measurement.
Plaque levels were measured using the Silness and Löe Plaque Index, a standard scoring method that assesses plaque on six specific teeth at the start of the study and again after three months. The dental examiner who scored the plaque levels was not told which mouthwash each participant had been using, to reduce bias in the assessment. All participants were given the same basic oral hygiene instructions (brushing twice daily), so that any difference in outcomes could be more clearly linked to the mouthwash itself.
Researchers compared plaque scores, percentage reduction in plaque, participant compliance with the assigned mouthwash routine, and any reported side effects between the two groups. Statistical methods included ANCOVA to compare three-month plaque scores while accounting for each participant's starting plaque level, along with t-tests and chi-square tests for other comparisons.
The findings may help dental care providers and patients weigh the trade-offs between stronger antiplaque effects and a more favorable side-effect profile when choosing a mouthwash for short-term versus longer-term use.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorhexidine Mouthwash Group | Active comparator | Drug: Chlorhexidine Gluconate MouthwashParticipants (n=30) used a 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash, gargling twice daily for 30 seconds, for a period of three months. All participants also received standard oral hygiene instructions, including brushing twice daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste. |
| Essential Oil Mouthwash Group | Experimental | Drug: Essential Oil mouthwashParticipants (n=30) used an essential oil-containing mouthwash twice daily for three months. Participants were instructed not to swallow the mouthwash and not to rinse their mouth with water after gargling. All participants also received standard oral hygiene instructions, including brushing twice daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 15 to 25 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Child, Adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Age 15-25 years
- Diagnosis of gingivitis (inflammatory condition of the gums without attachment or bone loss)
- Willingness to provide written informed consent (or parental/guardian consent plus assent, for minors)
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Periodontitis
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine
- Any systemic disease that could affect periodontal health
- Current antibiotic therapy
- Presence of anterior composite restorations
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorhexidine Gluconate MouthwashA 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse used twice daily for 30 seconds over a three-month period. Chlorhexidine is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent with high substantivity, allowing it to bind to oral surfaces and provide sustained antiplaque action. | Drug | Chlorhexidine Mouthwash Group |
| Essential Oil mouthwashAn essential oil-containing oral rinse used twice daily over a three-month period. The formulation contains plant-derived antimicrobial compounds such as thymol and menthol, which act by disrupting microbial cell membrane integrity and reducing bacterial aggregation. Participants were instructed not to rinse with water after use. | Drug | Essential Oil Mouthwash Group |
Primary outcome
Change in Plaque Index Score
Time frame: Baseline and 3 months
Dental plaque was measured using the Silness and Löe Plaque Index on six selected teeth (16, 11, 26, 36, 31, and 46), scoring each tooth's distal, buccal, mesial, and lingual/palatal surfaces from 0 (no plaque) to 3 (abundant plaque in the gingival sulcus or margin).
2 secondary outcomes
Percentage Reduction in Plaque Index
Time frame: Baseline to 3 months
Incidence of Adverse Events
Time frame: 3 months
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 16 Sep 2026.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash and Essential Oil mouthwash in people with Gingivitis Infection and Dental Plaque, run by Rehman Medical Institute - RMI at 1 site in Pakistan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 16 Sep 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Pakistan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Plaque Index Score (time frame: Baseline and 3 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 16 Sep 2026.