Taiwanofungus Camphorata is a unique traditional medicine originally used by native Taiwanese. The mushroom extracts and its active components have been reported its potential in antioxidant, anti-inflammation and antimicrobial effect recently. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of commercial novel Taiwanofungus Camphorata mouthwash and traditional 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in reducing gingivitis.
Method:
In this randomized, three-period crossover trial conducted in six patients with gingivitis, these patients were asked to brushing only, Taiwanofungus Camphorata mouthwash plus brushing, 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash plus brushing in three treatment phases. The mouthwash was performed three times a day after brushing for three consecutive days. Each phase was separated by three days washout periods. Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding Index (BI) and Plaque Index (PI) were recorded by one well-trained periodontist at the beginning and end of each phase. Taste-preference, tooth-sensitivity, malodor and bleeding during brushing were evaluated using questionnaires. Both patients and periodontist were not informed of the content of mouthwash until end of this double blind test.
Result:
Taiwanofungus Camphorata mouthwash group resulted in greater GI reductions compared to brushing only group (borderline significance, P=0.059. Wilcoxin signed rank test). Chlorhexidine group also showed greater GI reductions than brushing only group.( P=0.035) According to the questionnaire, patients showed significant reduction in bleeding during brushing in Taiwanofungus Camphorata and chlorhexidine mouthwash groups compare to brushing only group( P=0.02, McNemar’s Chi-squared test). In these two groups, we also found the tendency of malodor improvement ( P=0.08). Furthermore, patients reported comparable taste-preference in Taiwanofungus Camphorata and chlorhexidine mouthwash groups.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrated that the novel Taiwanofungus Camphorata mouthwash was effective in reducing gingivitis. Further study was worthy to be performed to explore the potential of Taiwanofungus Camphoratam mouthwash to remedy periodontitis and be an adjunct to oral hygiene procedures.