The effect of Povidone iodine as a Periodontal Disinfectant

Background: Povidone iodine complex might constitute a valuable adjunct to current periodontal therapy because of its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, low potential for developing resistance and adverse reactions, wide availability, ease of use and low financial cost. This investigation employed a split mouth study to determine the clinical effects of 10 percentage  povidone iodine subgingival irrigation in Periodontitis lesions. Materials and methods: Thirty adults having 2-3 periodontal pocket of  greater than 6mm in each quadrant were included in this study. In each subject the oral cavity was divided into right and left side. The right side of the mouth was treated with Scaling and Root planning plus irrigation of 10 percentage  povidone iodine. Left side of the mouth was treated with Scaling and Root Planning (SRP) alone. Patient was recalled for four weeks regularly. In every visit same treatment was given and at last visit a blind examiner recorded the clinical parameters. Data were analysed using SPSS software version 10 and through independent samples t- test and ANOVA test. Results: After four weeks subgingival irrigation with 10 % povidone iodine together with SRP showed statistically significant reduction in plaque index, papillary bleeding index and probing depth. But reduction in clinical attachment level was not statistically significant. Conclusion:  In the present study, 10 percentage povidone- iodine irrigation as an adjunct to SRP favored the non-surgical periodontal therapy due to its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity.