Aloe Vera - A Saving Grace for Periodontitis

Periodontal disease has been on the rise in recent years. Various therapeutic modalities are being studied and implemented to manage and control periodontitis. The primary goal is the elimination of microbes and to curb the progression of the invading disease process. The first line of approach is always the non-surgical periodontal therapy. This involves the use of various mechanical and chemical adjuvants, which may sometimes show untoward side effects. An increasing interest in natural alternatives has been shown, as the adverse effects are less common and less severe. Aloe Vera, a widely popular medicinal plant, is one such wonderful, naturally available aid that has been of use for ages. It has various healing properties, including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating properties. Ozone has been a tried and tested therapeutic aid in the field of periodontics and is used in various forms. The combination of aloe Vera and ozone has been thought to be more potent in the annihilation of bacteria and alleviation of symptoms. The present study involves the use of an ozonated aloe Vera gel as a topical agent and intra-pocket gel. The results showed a significant decrease in inflammation and bleeding, along with a decrease in the probing depth.