ABSTRACT:
Background: Plaque-induced gingivitis is a reversible inflammatory condition primarily managed by scaling and root planing (SRP). However, residual inflammation may persist due to oxidative stress and host inflammatory responses. Herbal adjuncts with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may enhance treatment outcomes. Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.) possess bioactive compounds that can potentially modulate gingival inflammation. Aim: To compare the clinical effectiveness of scaling and root planing alone and scaling and root planing combined with topical chia seed gel as an adjunct in patients with plaque-induced gingivitis. Materials and Methods: A randomized comparative clinical study was conducted on systemically healthy patients diagnosed with plaque-induced gingivitis. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group I (SRP alone) and Group II (SRP + chia seed gel). Clinical parameters including Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and Bleeding Index (BI) were recorded at baseline and after 6 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version XX). Intra-group comparisons were analyzed using paired t-tests, and inter-group comparisons were assessed using independent t-tests. A p-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Both groups showed statistically significant reductions in PI, GI, and BI at 6 weeks compared to baseline (p < 0.05). However, Group II demonstrated significantly greater reductions in GI and BI scores compared to Group I (p < 0.05), indicating superior resolution of gingival inflammation with adjunctive chia seed gel therapy. No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: The adjunctive use of chia seed gel with scaling and root planing resulted in superior improvement in gingival health compared to SRP alone. Chia seed gel may serve as a safe, effective, and natural adjunct in the management of plaque-induced gingivitis.