Mouthwash solutions containing microencapsulated natural extracts: Clinical results on dental plaque and gingivitis

Introduction. New mouthwash solutions containing microencapsulated natural extracts have been developed. Besides antiseptic activity, these solutions have antioxidant and immunoregulatory properties on oral tissues. The objective of this preliminary,clinical study was to assess the efficiency of a mouthwash containing microencapsulated natural extracts (GingiNat, LoB5 Foundation, Paris, France) on gingivitis. Patients and methods. Twenty volunteers (37 +/- 2 years) with significant gingivitis (bleeding when tooth-brushing) used a 6% GingiNat (R) mouthwash solution, two to three times per day (according to oral hygiene habits) for 21 days in addition to their usual oral care. Each volunteer was examined at day 0, 4, 7 and 21. The Loe and Silness Plaque Index, the Russel Periodontal Index, a breath index (halitosis), and oral tissue tolerance were assessed. Finally, each volunteer filled in a daily follow-up form and answered a questionnaire on tolerance and acceptability. Results. A significant decrease of the dental plaque index was observed on day 4, 7, and 21, in respectively 29, 48 and 71% of volunteers. This decrease reached 18% on day 4 (p = 0.014), 32% on day 7 (p = 0.002), and 47% on day 21 (p < 0.001). A significant decrease of the periodental index was observed on day 4, 7 and 21, in respectively 52, 81 and 95% of volunteers. This decrease reached 30% (p = 0.001) on day 4, 49% (p < 0.001) on day 7, and 78% (p < 0.001) on day 21. A significant improvement of the breath index was noted on day 4, 7, and 21, in respectively 43, 52 and 48% of volunteers. This improvement reached 29% (p = 0.004) on day 4, 35% (p = 0.001) on day 7, and 32% (p = 0.002) on day 21. The mouthwash was well tolerated. The patients liked its effectiveness and organoleptic properties. All patients expressed the wish to continue using this solution. Discussion. The GingiNat (R) mouthwash solution at 6% had a significant efficiency on plaque, gingivitis, and halitosis after 21 days of use. This makes it a good complementary treatment for gingivitis. Tolerance and acceptability were good despite the long and repeated use. Further studies are needed to have a detailed analysis of its efficiency in the long run and on patients presenting with various forms of periodontitis. (C) 2010 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.