Comparative evaluation of oil pulling and chlorhexidine mouthwash in halitosis: A randomized controlled trial

Background : Halitosis is an unpleasant malodour from the oral cavity that might be due to systemic origin or oral issues origin. Oil pulling in addition to offering several oral health benefits has also beneficial effects on overall health. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of oil pulling when compared to the chlorhexidine mouthwash usage.
Methodology : It was a parallel design, single centre, double blinded randomized controlled trial of 15 days duration. The control group received Chlorhexidine mouthwash (Hexidine mouthwash) and study groups were provided with sesame oil. Halitosis was assessed by arbitrary 0-5 scale for organoleptic odor assessments. Gingivitis was evaluated using Löe and Silness index and plaque with Silness and Löe index.
Results : The mean organoleptic scores at baseline, 15 days post intervention were 4.01 and 1.30 for chlorhexidine. The mean organoleptic scores at baseline, 15 days post intervention were 2.32 and 1.11 for sesame oil pulling group.
Conclusion : It can be concluded that oil pulling is useful in reducing halitosis, plaque and gingivitis.