Chlorhexidine is the most effective antiplaque mouthwash although antioxidants and hyaluronic acid are as effective as chlorhexidine in minimizing bleeding. Based on hyaluronic acid's better acceptance by individuals, it seems to be a promising alternative to chlorhexidine.

A parallel, double‐blind, randomized, and short‐term (7-day) study was carried to explore the anti-gingivitis and anti-plaque efficacy in addition to assessing adverse effects and participants’ perceptions of the available mouthwashes.

The study incorporated 75 dental students having biofilm‐induced gingivitis. The staining effect and clinical parameters like plaque index and bleeding on probing were estimated at baseline and after seven days. Furthermore, a visual analogue scale (VAS)‐based assessment questionnaire was completed by the enrolled subjects. Any potential side effects were evaluated by examining staining and evaluation of participants’ feedback for the three commercially available mouthwashes utilized. 

All the interventions considerably minimized the plaque scores. However, chlorhexidine displayed remarkably better effect compared to the hyaluronic acid and antioxidant mouthwashes.

In comparison with the baseline record, all the mouthwashes remarkably lowered the total bleeding scores to <10% in 53% of the subjects. Furthermore, the teeth underwent shade alterations in relation to all the interventions by the end of the analysis. Assessment of feedback about the mouthwashes demonstrated that the individuals prefer the hyaluronic acid mouthwash when compared to the other mouthwashes.

Hyaluronic acid mouthwash is a good alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash as it has a better acceptance rate.