A Clinical Evaluation of Dantaraksha (An Ayurvedic Tooth Powder) in the Management of Chronic Periodontitis

Abstract

Chronic periodontitis is the inflammation of the periodontal tissue caused due to the accumulation of dental plaque. If untreated it will lead to progressive attachment loss, bone loss & ultimately tooth loss. It can be correlated to Dantavestaka in Ayurveda. Acharya Sushruta says it manifests due to Dusta Shonita (Vitiated blood). It has symptoms like bleeding gums, pus discharge & mobility in teeth. Conventional periodontal therapy consists of mechanical debridement that is scaling & root planning. Ayurvedic medication Dantaraksha – Tooth powder has been used as an adjunct in the management of chronic periodontitis to avoid the side effects of chemicals. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Dantaraksha – Tooth powder, as an adjunct to scaling & root planning in Chronic Periodontitis patients. Material and methods: 40 patients selected for the study were equally divided in two groups: Group A – Only Scaling and Root planning, Group B – Scaling and root planning followed by application of Dantaraksha tooth powder to the gums & teeth, twice daily, and massaging the same on gums & teeth gently with finger. Plaque index, gingival bleeding index scores and probing pocket depth were evaluated at baseline & after one month of treatment. Results: The results show statistically significant difference between Groups A vs B. By looking at the mean value of Group A & Group B it was found that Group B gingival index, plaque index & probing pocket depth was significant over Group A. Conclusion: Dantaraksha powder is effective as an adjunct in the management of chronic periodontitis patients when compared to conventional scaling & root planning alone.