Microbiological evaluation of methylene blue in chronic periodontitis

Background: An alternative approach to conventional antimicrobial or antiseptic agents in the suppression of subgingival bacteria is to inhibit the growth by changing the subgingival ecology. The subgingival environment has been demonstrated to have a low redox potential which supports the growth and survival of subgingival anaerobic bacteria. Redox agents, such as methylene blue raise the redox potential of an ecosystem. Aim: To study the effects of methylene blue incorporated into chitosan strips on clinical parameters and on Porphyromonas. gingivalis, Prevotella. intermedia, Fusobacterium. nucleatum and Capnocytophaga.Materials & Methods: A total of 40 sites from 20 patients. were included in a split-mouth design. 40 sites were divided into Group A (experimental) and Group B (control). Clinical parameters - plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth were recorded. Microbiological evaluation was done by Gram's stain and culture. The clinical and microbiological parameters were recorded on days 0, 7, 15 and 30.