Abstract
The use of herbal dentifrices has grown exponentially over the years. They are categorically referred to as ethnomedicines. Various agents have been tried with contradicting findings based on phytopharmacological analysis. Miswak is one agent which has been used over the years. A novel Moringa oleifera-based dentifrice has shown promising results in terms of its cytotoxicity, biocompatibility, and as a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Therefore, the present study aims to compare the efficacy of two commercially available miswak- and moringa-based herbal dentifrices on the reduction of plaque and gingivitis scores. This randomized clinical crossover study included 20 subjects with mild to moderate gingivitis. The study was conducted over a total examination period of 20 days with a wash-out period of 2 weeks between the use of both the toothpastes. The plaque index and gingival index of the study subjects were recorded at the designated time intervals throughout the study period. The data collected were entered on Microsoft Excel, and statistical analysis using SPSS software (SPSS version 28, IBM Corp, Armonk, New York, United States) was done. The statistical test used was the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Moreover, p ≤0.05 was considered significant. The results showed that the reduction in mean gingival index scores from baseline to day 3 was more statistically significant in the moringa-based dentifrice. Similarly, the plaque index scores showed statistically significant reduction following the use of the moringa-based dentifrice when compared with the miswak dentifrice. This study reveals that the moringa dentifrice is a safe and effective agent in reducing plaque accumulation and treating gingival inflammation. The current study aims to provide an insight into the possible role of moringa dentifrice as a possible adjunctive oral hygiene aid.
Highlights
Dental plaque is a well-structured, resilient, yellowish-gray substance that adheres tenaciously to the intraoral hard surfaces and is considered the key factor associated with dental caries and gingival inflammation.[1]
This study reveals that the moringa dentifrice is a safe and effective agent in reducing plaque accumulation and treating gingival inflammation
The current study aims to provide an insight into the possible role of moringa dentifrice as a possible adjunctive oral hygiene aid
Summary
Dental plaque is a well-structured, resilient, yellowish-gray substance that adheres tenaciously to the intraoral hard surfaces and is considered the key factor associated with dental caries and gingival inflammation.[1] Plaque forms in a well-organized and structured way maintaining microbial homeostasis over a period of time.[2] There are distinct stages in plaque formation, which include acquired pellicle formation, reversible adhesion, co-adhesion, biofilm formation, and multiplication and occasionally detachment.[3] Some of the factors associated with plaque biofilm, which are responsible for sequel of events leading to gingival inflammation, are acid production and liberation, thereby reducing the pH of the surrounding environment, facilitating the growth of gram-negative microorganisms and acid tolerance, which is a distinct feature of obligate anaerobes and intra/extracellular polysaccharide formation.[4] This environmental change results in dysbiosis within the plaque microbial community leading to an ecological shift, with gram-negative microorganisms predominating and resulting in the onset of an inflammatory component.[5] Shifting of the microbial flora within the gingival crevice where nutrient is readily available is the first in the sequel of an inflammatory cascade, resulting in gingival inflammation if left untreated.[6]
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