Effect of herbal mouthwashes from Nimba (Azardirachta indica A. Juss) and curry leaves (Murraya Koenigii (L.) Spreng.) on dental plaque, Streptococcus mutans count, and gingival health in school-going children: An open-label, randomized trial

Abstract

Abstract Background: Herbal drugs have been used since ancient times; oral rinse of Nimba (Azardirachta indica A. Juss, locally known as the Neem) and curry leaves (Murraya Koenigii (L.) Spreng., locally known as the Meethi Neem) is one of them for maintaining better oral hygiene. Aim: The study aimed at determining the effect of indigenously prepared two herbal and 0.2% chlorhexidine (control group) mouthwashes on dental plaque, Streptococcus mutans count and gingival health in school-going children. Material and methods: Trial design was parallel with an allocation ratio of 1:1:1. Total 120 included children aged 8–14 years were randomized into three groups, namely, Neem leaves (n = 40), curry leaves (n = 40), and chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash (n = 40) group. At the baseline examination, plaque and gingival scores were recorded and plaque samples were taken for S. mutans count estimation. The data were entered into Microsoft Excel and analysis was performed using statistical software “SPSS-22.” Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance were applied for evaluation. Tukey’s post hoc test was used to evaluate the difference between the pairs of mouthwashes. Results: Statistically significant differences were found between CHX and Neem and curry leaves in plaque index, S. mutans count, and gingival index at 14 and 21 days from baseline. Neem and curry leaves were equally effective as CHX. Conclusion: Neem and curry leaves mouthwashes are equally effective as antiplaque and anti-gingivitis agents as that of CHX mouthwash.