G-1265

Comparison of the effect of tragacanth mouthwash and chlorhexidine on gingivitis and dental plaque index in intubated patients admitted to intensive care unit

 Seyed Mahyar Peyman ¹ ℗, Ameneh Yaghoobzadeh ² ©, Elmira Parandavar ³   

 
Abstract

Introduction: Mouthwashes have a significant effect on reducing plaque formation and gingival inflammation. Patients undergoing ventilator treatment have poorer oral hygiene compared to non-ventilator-dependent individuals. Given this background, we aimed to compare the effects of the herbal mouthwash Katira with chlorhexidine on oral hygiene in these patients. Methods and Materials: In this four-month clinical trial, 72 ventilator-assisted patients were randomly assigned into two groups of 36, receiving either Katira or chlorhexidine mouthwash. Data were collected using a demographic/clinical questionnaire, the Plaque Index (for oral health assessment), and the Gingival Index. After entry into SPSS software (version 16), data were analyzed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, paired t-test, independent t-test, ANOVA, and chi-square tests. Results: The two groups were similar in demographic characteristics and risk factors. The mean Gingival Index before the study was (0.63±3.33) in the intervention group and (0.72±3.22) in the control group. (P=0.48) Post-intervention, the Gingival Index showed a greater reduction (P0.001). The Plaque Index before the study was (0.12±0.84) in the intervention group and (0.11±0.85) in the control group. (P=0.54) After the study, the Plaque Index decreased significantly (P0.001). Conclusion and Discussion: This study demonstrates that Katira is comparable to chlorhexidine as an anti-inflammatory mouthwash and, in some aspects, leads to greater improvement. Further research is needed to evaluate the effects of this herbal mouthwash on microbial load and oral hygiene in critically ill patients.

Keywords: Mouthwash, Katira, Chlorhexidine, Intensive care, Intubation