RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to assess the effect of scaling and root planing (SRP) with and without adjunct use of an essential-oil-based-mouthwash (EOBM) on whole salivary immunoglobulin G (IgG) levels in patients with periodontal inflammation. METHODS: Fifty patients with periodontal inflammation were included. Treatment wise, these patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group 1, patients underwent SRP and were instructed to rinse with 10 mL of an EOBM twice daily for 30 days, whereas those in group 2 underwent SRP and were instructed to rinse with 10 mL of water twice daily for 30 days. Whole saliva samples were collected at baseline and after 40 days of treatment. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: At baseline, whole salivary IgG levels were comparable among patients in groups 1 (60.5 ± 5.5 mg/dL) and 2 (57.3 ± 2.4 mg/dL). After 40 days of follow-up, there is a significant decrease in whole salivary IgG levels among patients in group 1 (7.2 ± 2.4 mg/dL) as compared to those in group 2 (26.6 ± 4.6 mg/dL) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: SRP, when performed with adjunct use of an EOBM, is more effective in reducing whole salivary IgG levels as compared to when SRP is performed without adjunct use of an EOBM.