Study on the Treatment of Halitosis and Gingivitis with Xianghe Oral Care Liquid—Comparison of Efficacy with Chlorhexidine Spray

Background Halitosis and gingivitis are common oral disorders that affect quality of life, while conventional oral care agents have limitations such as mucosal irritation and microbial resistance. Xianghe Oral Care Liquid (XOCL), a traditional Chinese medicine formulation containing clove and mint, has demonstrated preliminary antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of XOCL compared to a 0.03 mg/ml cetylpyridinium chloride spray. Methods This randomized controlled trial included 95 patients with halitosis, with or without gingivitis. Participants were assigned to the XOCL group (n = 50), receiving 4 to 8 sprays three times per day, or the control group (n = 45), receiving cetylpyridinium chloride spray at 3 sprays twice per day. Organoleptic scores (OS), volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), Bleeding Index (BI), and Gingival Index (GI) were measured at baseline and at Weeks 1, 2, and 4. Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests and effect size (r) calculations. Results Compared to the control group, the XOCL group showed significantly lower OS at Weeks 1 through 4 ( p  < 0.001, r = 0.53 to 0.63) and reduced VSCs at Week 4 ( p  < 0.001, r = 0.37). Within the XOCL group, OS and VSCs improved by Week 1 ( p  < 0.001, r ≥ 0.59). BI and GI also improved by Week 1 ( p  < 0.001, r = 0.59 to 0.67) with no further significant improvement thereafter ( p  > 0.008). No significant inter-group differences were observed in BI or GI ( p  > 0.05). Conclusions XOCL is superior to cetylpyridinium chloride spray in the management of halitosis, with sustained effects observed after two weeks, and demonstrates comparable efficacy in the treatment of gingivitis, with improvements noted after one week. These findings support the clinical value of XOCL for oral care.