Curcumin mouthwashes versus chlorhexidine in controlling plaque and gingivitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives The purpose of the present systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the available evidence regarding the efficacy of curcumin mouthwashes on plaque and gingivitis. Methods A comprehensive online search of multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar) was performed to identify all relevant studies published up to August 2020, using the following keywords: curcumin, turmeric, gingivitis, periodontal health, and plaque control. All clinical trials that compared the efficacy of curcumin mouthwash with chlorhexidine in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis were included. Data were analysed using Review Manager (RevMan) 5.3 software. The risk of bias was evaluated by two independent reviewers using the Cochrane assessment tool. Results Six randomized clinical trials (comprising 320 subjects) fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Five studies showed a high risk of bias and only one study showed a low risk of bias. The pooled data of the six included studies revealed comparable efficacy of curcumin and chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque (I-2 = 91%; standardized mean difference [SMD]: 0.27, 95% CI: -0.53, 1.07, p = 0. 51) and gingival inflammation (I-2 = 40%; SMD: -0.13, 95% CI: -0.35, 0.09, p = 0.24), with no statistically significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion The results suggest that curcumin mouthwashes have promising anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties. Further clinical trials with adequate sample sizes and standardized methodologies are required to discern the efficacy of curcumin mouthwash in reducing plaque and gingivitis.