EVALUATION OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPLEX TREATMENT OF HALITOSIS ASSOCIATED WITH CATARRHAL GINGIVITIS USING A CONVENTIONAL PEGANUM HARMALA (SYRIAN RUE) INFUSION

Halitosis is a common oral health problem that significantly affects patients’ quality of life and social interactions. One of the major etiological factors contributing to oral malodor is catarrhal gingivitis, an inflammatory condition of the gingival tissues characterized by plaque accumulation, microbial imbalance, and increased production of volatile sulfur compounds. Despite the availability of various antiseptic and antimicrobial agents, the search for safe, affordable, and plant-based therapeutic alternatives remains relevant in modern dentistry. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of a conventional Peganum harmala (Syrian rue) infusion as part of a comprehensive treatment protocol for patients with halitosis associated with catarrhal gingivitis. A comparative clinical assessment was conducted involving patients diagnosed with chronic catarrhal gingivitis accompanied by oral malodor. The treatment protocol included professional oral hygiene measures, patient education on oral care, and local application of Peganum harmala infusion. Clinical indices, including the Gingival Index, Plaque Index, and organoleptic assessment of halitosis, were used to evaluate treatment outcomes.