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Abstract
Gingivitis is a bacterial infection due to long-term effects of micro-organisms present in plaque. In several years, a large number of oils and their constituents have been investigated for their antimicrobial properties. Olive is a safe and anti-inflammatory agent. Honey is also recommended in dental hygiene. Honey is used in the treatment of gingivitis and periodontal diseases. The aim of this study was to find out the effect of honey and olive oil on gingivitis and the common oral micro-organisms. The double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted on 40 participants aged 18-35 years who were housekeeping staff of KD Dental College and Hospital in Mathura city. The participants were randomly allocated into two different groups by the lottery method. Gingival index scores were assessed at baseline and after 21 days. Assessment of saliva samples was done at baseline and after 21 days. The participants were advised to gum massage with honey or olive oil for 3 weeks. The mean gingival scores were found to be 0.51 ± 0.12 in Group 1 (honey) and 0.58 ± 0.12 in Group 2 (olive oil) after 21 days. The mean colony forming units were found to be 412.75 ± 68.54 in Group 1 (honey) and 416.75 ± 61.60 in Group 2 (olive oil) after 21 days. The results of gingival scores and colony forming unit count were not statistically significant. After 21 days of trial, both honey and olive oil groups showed an effective reduction in values of gingival scores and colony forming unit counts, which was statistically significant. The olive oil and honey has the ability to reduce gingivitis. It was concluded that the olive oil and honey can be used as a preventive and therapeutic agents.