Abstract
Background: Nowadays, though more attention is being paid to oral and dental hygiene all over the world, dental caries and periodontal diseases are increasing daily. We decided to study the effectiveness of natural toothbrush in prevention of dental caries and plaque formation. Methods: This analytic, semi-experimental clinical trial included 390 individuals. Subjects were divided into 3 groups: using natural toothbrush, using artificial toothbrush and using both natural and artificial toothbrush. The plaque index and DMFT was assessed at the beginning of the study until 1 year. ANOVA, Kruskal Wallis, LSD, Paired t-test, chi square, Fisher exact and Mc-Nemar tests were used for data analysis. Results: The plaque index in all three groups showed a mean reduction of 0.71. The mean DMFT in the samples before intervention was 8.38 ± 4.14 and increased to 9.1 ± 4.56. At the end of the study, the lowest plaque index was observed in the group using both the natural and artificial methods. During one year follow-up, the plaque index decreased 1.16, 0.83, and 0.21 degrees in the first, second and third groups. Conclusion: The increase in DMFT in the group that used artificial toothbrush was more than other groups. Thus, use of natural toothbrush leads to a decrease in growth rate of DMFT. Therefore natural toothbrush can be used for the cleaning of teeth and prevention of dental caries.
Highlights
Salvadora persica (SP) is a wild plant that grows in the region extending from north western India to Africa
A total of 390 subjects were divided into 3 groups: natural toothbrush (Salvadora persica), artificial toothbrush and toothpaste and both methods
In the present study the incidence and progression of dental caries decreased after natural toothbrush use that is probably due to its anti-microbial properties
Summary
Salvadora persica (SP) is a wild plant that grows in the region extending from north western India to Africa This plant is known as natural Arak tree, chewing stick, toothbrush and Meswak [1]. Its boiled extract has shown protective effects against ethanol intoxication and stressrelated peptic ulcer in rats and regulating effects on blood sugar levels as well. This plant contains such chemicals as trimethyl amine, organic sulfur compounds and B-sitosterol and small amounts of saponin and lignane glycosides. We decided to study the effectiveness of natural toothbrush in prevention of dental caries and plaque formation. At the end of the study, the lowest plaque index was observed in the group using both the natural and artificial methods. Natural toothbrush can be used for the cleaning of teeth and prevention of dental caries
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