Which mouthwash fights plaque better: chlorhexidine or essential oils?
NCT ID NCT07822256
First seen Sep 16, 2026 · Last updated Sep 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
Researchers compare two common mouthwashes to see which reduces dental plaque more effectively in young patients with gum inflammation. Sixty patients aged 15 to 25 use either a chlorhexidine rinse or an essential oil rinse twice daily for three months. The team measures plaque on six teeth at the start and after three months, and tracks side effects like taste changes, tooth staining, or mouth burning. The goal is to help patients and dentists weigh stronger plaque control against comfort for longer-term use.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash and essential oil mouthwash
- What this could lead to
- If one mouthwash controls plaque better with fewer side effects, dentists could give clearer guidance on which rinse suits short-term gum care.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, single-center study of 60 young patients with mild gum inflammation, so the results may not apply to older adults or people with more advanced gum disease. Chlorhexidine can stain teeth and alter taste, while essential oils may irritate the mouth.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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60 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Feb 2026
- Finished
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Aug 2026
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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15 to 25 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 15-25 years 2. Diagnosis of gingivitis (inflammatory condition of the gums without attachment or bone loss) 3. Willingness to provide written informed consent (or parental/guardian consent plus assent, for minors) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Periodontitis 2. Known allergy or hypersensitivity to chlorhexidine 3. Any systemic disease that could affect periodontal health 4. Current antibiotic therapy 5. Presence of anterior composite restorations 6. Visible enamel decalcification
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Rehman Medical Institute - RMI
Peshawar, Pakistan
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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