Effects of commercially available herbal and non-herbal dentrifices on plaque, gingivitis and salivary pH: A clinico-biochemical study

Presence of plaque is one of the main etiological factor for gingivitis, periodontitis, dental caries and halitosis. Plaque control can be achieved with the help of mechanical and chemical aids such as toothbrushes, dental floss, mouth rinses and dentifrices. Despite the efficacy of many chemical dentifrice formulations with antibacterial properties, there is an increasing social desire to rely on naturally occurring compounds for health, which has also found its way into dentistry. This has led to dentifrices that contain extracts of medicinal plants and herbs becoming popular. Consumers who gravitate towards using herbal products often view them as being safer than those that contain chemicals. The efficacy of such dentifrices can be attributed to properties such as anti- inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-diabetic, anti-fungal, analgesic, antiseptic and astringent actions. Salivary pH, also plays an important role in maintaining oral health, and has an influence on the caries process. Demineralization and remineralization process of the tooth are dependent on pH of saliva, but available literature on scientific studies assessing the effect of non-herbal as well as herbal toothpastes on salivary pH are very few . Lack of professional consensus regarding use of herbal dentifrices due to lack of sufficient clinical research and literature has inspired us to undertake this clinical study. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of two herbal dentifrices (Sudanta® and Himalaya Complete Care® Toothpaste) in controlling plaque and gingivitis and their effect on salivary pH as compared to conventional dentifrice (Colgate Dental Cream®).