Efficacy of Individualized Homeopathic Medicines in Managing Pain of Dental Caries in Teenagers and Adults: A Double-blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial.

Dental caries is a chronic, multifactorial disease driven by biofilm and acid production from bacteria like Streptococcus mutans. These bacteria convert dietary sugars into acids, mainly lactic acid, which lower the pH and lead to the breakdown of enamel and dentin by dissolving hydroxyapatite. When demineralization outweighs the natural protective effects of saliva and remineralization, carious lesions form and progress. Early signs include white spots indicating subsurface enamel demineralization. Persistent acid exposure roughens enamel and can eventually cause cavitations. Lesions may remain within enamel for 3–4 years before becoming radiographically visible. Dental pain is defined as discomfort arising from tooth structures or their supporting tissues. A double-blind, randomized (2:1), placebo-controlled trial will be conducted on 192 teenagers and adults who are suffering from pain of dental caries at the outpatient department of D. N. De Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital. Assessment will be done by the Pain VAS Score [primary outcomes]; the Oral Health Impact Profile – 14 item version (OHIP-14) will be employed to measure the effect of oral health conditions on quality of life. [Secondary outcome] Second, change in caries status using ICDAS II (International Caries Detection and Assessment System) [secondary outcome]. Comparative analysis will be carried out to detect group differences.