Effect of 0.4% Triphala and 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash on dental plaque, gingival inflammation, and microbial growth in 14-15-year-old schoolchildren: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

CONTEXT

A strong correlation exists between plaque and dental caries and periodontal diseases. Ayurvedic drugs have been used since ancient times; oral rinses made from these are used in periodontal therapy. Triphala is one of these with wide spectrum of activity.

AIMS

To assess and compare the effect of 0.4% Triphala and 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash on dental plaque, gingival inflammation, and microbial count of , , and Lactobacilli from dental plaque sample of 14-15-year-old schoolchildren of Pune city during 90 days supervised use.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

A randomized, controlled, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial was conducted among 72 schoolchildren aged 14-15 years.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Children were divided into two study groups: Group A with 0.4% Triphala mouthwash ( = 36) and Group B with 0.12% CHX mouthwash ( = 36). The plaque Index (Loe H [1967]), gingival index (Loe H and Silness J [1963]), and microbial analysis were recorded at baseline, 30 days, and 90 days interval.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Statistical analysis was done using unpaired -test for group-wise comparison and one-way analysis of variance test, followed by Tukey's test for intragroup comparison. < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The results showed that 0.4% Triphala and 0.12% CHX have similar inhibitory effect on plaque accumulation, gingivitis, and growth of , , and Lactobacilli.

CONCLUSION

Herbal mouthwash proved to be helpful in reducing plaque microbial counts, plaque, and gingival inflammation and opens new arenas in the field of herbal dentistry and chemical plaque control.