THE INFLUENCE OF COCONUT OIL ON GINGIVITIS FOR 18-22 YEARS OLD DENTAL STUDENTS

To find the efficacy of virgin coconut oil mouthwash on gingivitis in 18-22 years old dental students.to compare the efficacy between once or twice daily wash and also to compare the efficacy between males and females.

This study was undertaken in Mosul city during the academic year 2023-2024. The sample consisted of 60 students (30 males and 30 females) with mild to moderate gingivitis, who were collected from the College of Dentistry at the University of Mosul and ranged in age from 18 to 22 years. The sample was divided into two groups of 30 participants each, as follows: Group (1): (30 students) were instructed to swish with (10 ml) of coconut oil for (1-2) minutes once daily after having breakfast. Group (2): (30 students) were instructed to swish with (10 ml) of coconut oil for (1-2) minutes twice daily, the first time in the morning after breakfast and the other time in the evening after brushing before going to sleep. The period of study was 30 days. the gingival index was assessed at baseline, after 15 days, and after 30 days.

A statistically significant decrease in the gingival index was noticed from day 15, and the scores continued to decrease during the period of study. The gingival index decreased in both groups, in Group 1 from a mean value (2.05) to (0.42) and in Group 2 from (2.04) to (0.44). Non-significant side effects were reported during the study, and there was non-significant difference between group (1) and group (2). There was significant difference in response between male and female participants.

Swishing using coconut oil is an effective adjuvant procedure in decreasing gingivitis.