Cronicon OPEN ACCESS EC DENTAL SCIENCE EC DENTAL SCIENCE Research Article Clinical Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Gel Compared to Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in the Management of Plaque-Induced Gingivitis in Orthodontic Patients: A Clinical Trial Citation: Jana Alqefari., et al. “Clinical Efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid Gel Compared to Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in the Management of Plaque-Induced Gingivitis in Orthodontic Patients: A Clinical Trial”. EC Dental Science 19.5 (2020): 124-132. * Corresponding Author: Jana Alqefari, Senior Year Student, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia. E-mail: Jennaqf@gmail.com Jana Alqefari 1 *, Faten Alsoweed 1 , Wesam Fathi 2 and Rabia Bilal 3 1 Intern Dentist, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia 2 Assistant Professor, Department of Periodontology and Oral Medicine, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia 3 Associate Professor, Department of Pedodontic and Orthodontic, College of Dentistry, Qassim University, Saudi Arabia Received: March 31, 2020; Published: April 25, 2020 Abstract Keywords: Gel; Gingivitis; Hyaluronan; Chlorhexidine; Orthodontic Brackets; Fixed Orthodontic Appliances Aims and Objectives: Patients with fixed orthodontic appliances are at high risk of developing gingival and periodontal diseases. In general, mechanical plaque control is usually inadequate to control plaque and maintaining optimal oral health for long periods, therefore, incorporating chemical agents had shown better efficacy in controlling plaque-mediated diseases. This study aims to as- sess the impact of hyaluronic acid gel in improving gingival parameters by comparing the efficacy of hyaluronic acid gel (HA) and chlorhexidine mouthwash (CHX) in the management of plaque-induced gingivitis. Study Design: Clinical trial. Place and Duration of Study: Qassim University Female Dental Clinics, Qassim University Melida, Saudi Arabia, from November 2018 to January 2019. Subjects and Methods: This clinical trial included 15 female patients wearing full-mouth fixed orthodontic appliances and having plaque-induced gingivitis, the age range was between 16 - 30 years old. Subjects were allocated into two groups; group A receiving hyaluronic acid gel and group B taking chlorhexidine mouth wash. Gingival health was evaluated using clinical indices; gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI). Data were collected at baseline and after 3 weeks and were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Results: A total of 14 subjects have completed the trial. Intragroup comparison revealed a positive response to the treatment for group A and group B with clinical indicators; GI (P < 0.000), PI (P < 0.000), PBI (P < 0.000), and GI (P < 0.000), PI (P < 0.038), PBI (P < 0.010) respectively. Nevertheless, PI and PBL were lower in group A. Intergroup comparison demonstrated no significant difference between the groups, however, group B has reported some negative effects related to the use of chlorhexidine mouth wash. Conclusion: The hyaluronic acid gel has shown a comparable effect to chlorhexidine mouthwash in the management of plaque- induced gingivitis in fixed orthodontic appliance patients. This study recommends considering hyaluronic acid gel as the first treat- ment option in controlling plaque-induced gingivitis.