Comparative anti -plaque effect of herbal dental formula

Abstract

Ayurveda and Sri Lankan traditional medical system devotes a significant importance to oral health problems on its preventive aspect rather than curative. This herbal formulation is specified as a dentifrice in Thalpathe Piliyam. But it was not scientifically evaluated. Therefore, this study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of reducing plaque accumulation on teeth, maintenance of oral hygiene and compare the efficacy of powder with the novel toothpaste. Forty patients were selected with written consent from Dental OPD. They were randomly divided in to two groups; group A and B (20 patients in each) irrespective of their sex, religion, habitat etc. Group A was advised to brush twice a day for 01 month by using the toothpaste and Group B from same formula as in powder form. Oral Hygiene Index (OHI -S), Calculus Index (CI - S), Debris Index (DI —S) and Plaque Index (P Il) were used as objective criteria. According to the statistical analysis, it can be concluded that clinical effectiveness of toothpaste is more significant than tooth powder. Therefore, long term studies should be carried out to confirm the result.