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February 28, 2026Open Access

Comparative Evaluation of Curcumin and Photodynamic Therapy as Adjuncts to Scaling in Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial with Predictive Trend Analysis

Key Points

The study aims to compare the short-term clinical effects of curcumin and photodynamic therapy as adjuncts to scaling in managing gingivitis and to forecast long-term trends in gingival health.
Randomized controlled trial design
Inclusion of 51 systemically healthy adults with plaque-induced gingivitis
Participants assigned to three groups: scaling only, scaling + curcumin gel, scaling + curcumin + PDT
Primary outcome measured was bleeding index, with plaque and gingival indices as secondary outcomes
Data analyzed using ANCOVA and linear mixed-effects models; time-series modeling applied for forecasting.
Significantly greater reductions in bleeding index for both adjunct groups compared to scaling alone at 1 month (P < 0.05)
Curcumin + PDT combination resulted in the highest mean reduction across all indices
Forecasting models indicated possible trend toward maintenance of benefits up to 6 months, despite being theoretical due to limited data points.

Abstract

Abstract Aim: Curcumin and photodynamic therapy (PDT) have emerged as promising adjuncts to scaling and root planing in managing plaque-induced gingivitis. While their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties are well documented, the durability of clinical improvements and standardization of protocols remain uncertain. The aim was to compare the short-term clinical outcomes of curcumin and curcumin-activated PDT as adjuncts to scaling and to predict long-term gingival health trends using time-series modeling. Methods: This randomized controlled clinical trial included 51 systemically healthy adults diagnosed with plaque-induced gingivitis. Participants were randomly allocated into three groups: Scaling- only, Scaling + Curcumin gel, and Scaling + Curcumin + PDT. Bleeding index (BI) was the primary outcome, with plaque index and gingival index as secondary outcomes. Clinical measurements were taken at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance adjusted for baseline values and linear mixed-effects models. Time-series forecasting using autoregressive integrated moving average and long short-term memory models was applied to estimate outcomes up to 12 months. Results: Both adjunct groups exhibited significantly greater reductions in BI compared to scaling alone at 1 month ( P < 0.05). The combination of curcumin + PDT achieved the highest mean reduction across all indices. Exploratory forecasting models suggested a possible trend toward maintenance up to 6 months; however, these projections are theoretical and based solely on three time points. Conclusions: Adjunctive use of curcumin and PDT enhances gingival health outcomes following scaling and demonstrates sustained benefits when modeled over time. These findings support further adoption of phytochemical- and light-based therapies as safe, non-antibiotic adjuncts in gingivitis management.

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