Evaluation of the anti-plaque effects of mastic chewing gum as an adjunct to routine oral hygiene procedures in patients diagnosed with chronic generalized gingivitis: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Background: Dental plaque is the primary etiological factor in the causation of periodontal disease, whereas the main aim of all preventive programs is directed towards the control of dental plaque. Furthermore, mastic is a resinous exudate obtained from the stem and leaves of Pistacia lentiscus , which is known for its potent antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiulcer properties. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anti-plaque effects of mastic chewing gum as an adjunct to routine oral hygiene procedures. Methods: The present double-blind randomized controlled trial included 60 male and female patients, aged between 21 and 40 years, diagnosed with chronic generalized gingivitis, who were divided into two groups including mastic chewing gum group (Group A) and placebo group (Group B) with 30 patients in each group based on simple random sampling. Again, clinical parameters such as plaque index and gingival index, and microbiological parameters including the mean anaerobic colony forming units in the supragingival plaque samples obtained from patients, were taken at baseline and subsequently, at 15 th and 21 st day and the data obtained, subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The findings of the present study revealed a significant reduction in clinical and microbiological parameters in both the groups, though, the differences observed were more marked in Group A as against Group B with statistically significant results ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: Mastic chewing gum exhibited significant antiplaque, antigingivitis and antibacterial activity compared with the placebo and thus, it can be used as a significant adjunct to the routine oral hygiene procedures.