Efficacy of Irimedadi Oil and Virgin Coconut Oil Pulling on Plaque-Induced Gingivitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Gingivitis, if left untreated, can progress to periodontal disease. Although nonsurgical periodontal therapy is a standard treatment, adjunctive therapies can enhance the effectiveness of the procedure. The present study was hence formulated to evaluate the efficacy of Irimedadi oil, a traditional Ayurvedic remedy, compared to virgin coconut oil (VCO) in oil pulling for managing plaque-induced gingivitis. Forty adult patients with Gingival Index scores ≥1 were randomly selected from the departmental outpatient department and assigned via block randomization into two groups: experimental (Irimedadi oil, n = 20) and control (VCO, n = 20). The participants were educated regarding oil pulling and provided with instructions and a compliance sheet. Clinical evaluations were performed utilizing the PI, GI, and GBI, while plaque samples were obtained for colony-forming units (CFUs). Values were documented at baseline, after which oral prophylaxis was administered to each patient. A duration of 28 days was allotted to the patients, after which a clinical examination was conducted again. A significant reduction was observed in PI, GI, GBI scores, and CFUs following the intervention in both groups. A comparison between Irimedadi taila and VCO revealed that Irimedadi taila resulted in a considerably greater reduction as compared to the VCO group. Both oils are effective in treating plaque-induced gingivitis, but Irimedadi oil demonstrates superior results and higher patient acceptance. This study concludes that oil pulling with Irimedadi oil can serve as a beneficial adjunct therapy in the management of gingivitis, highlighting the potential of Ayurvedic treatments in modern dental care.