Comparing the effectiveness of ayurvedic, homeopathic, and conventional dentifrice on gingiva: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Dental diseases are a major public health problem worldwide. The World Health Organization reports a prevalence of over 60%–90% of dental caries and gingiva diseases among school children worldwide. Fluoridated dentifrices were considered to be the gold standard for the prevention of dental diseases. However, the side effects encountered with these dentifrices have led to the search for novel and safe alternatives. Aim: This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Ayurvedic, Homeopathic, and Conventional dentifrice on the gingiva. Setting and Design: Double-blinded, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted among healthy adults. Subjects were randomly allocated to three groups (n = 54). Group I-Herbal dentifrice, Group II-Homeopathic dentifrice and Group III-Fluoride dentifrice. Plaque and gingival indices were recorded at baseline, 14th day, and 28th day of follow-up. Statistical Analysis Used: Paired t-test and One-way ANOVA. Results: The mean plaque and gingiva index scores were significantly reduced by all treatment groups at the 28th day follow-up. The mean gingival index scores were reduced among all three groups. However, Group I showed the highest reduction (Group I [0.46 ± 0.09] followed by Group II [0.50 ± 0.10] and Group III [0.50 ± 0.14]) at the 14th day and (Group I [0.45 ± 0.09] followed by Group II [0.49 ± 0.06] and Group III [0.44 ± 0.9]) at the 28th day, respectively. The reduction was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: All three groups exhibited antiplaque activity by bringing about a significant reduction in mean plaque and gingival index at 14th day and 28th day. Among all the dentifrices, Group I (Herbal dentifrice) showed better results compared to other groups.