Efficacy of triphala mouth rinse (aqueous extracts) on dental plaque and gingivitis in children.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of triphala mouth rinse (aqueous) in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis among children.


METHODS
The study was a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial, with a total of 60 school children (n = 30 in each group; triphala and chlorhexidine groups). Plaque and gingival indices were used to evaluate baseline and follow-up plaque and gingivitis.


RESULTS
A total of 57 children completed the study. Both chlorhexidine and triphala groups showed significantly lower mean gingival and plaque index scores at follow up than baseline (P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the percentage change in the mean gingival index between the two groups (P = 0.826). The percentage change in the mean plaque index was significantly higher in the chlorhexidine group compared to the triphala group (P = 0.048).


CONCLUSIONS
The effectiveness of triphala in the reduction of plaque and gingivitis was comparable to chlorhexidine, and can be used for short-term purposes without potential side-effects. It is a cost-effective alternative in reducing plaque and gingivitis.
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Ritesh
R
Bhattacharjee
Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Sridhar
S
Nekkanti
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Nikesh G
NG
Kumar
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Ketan
K
Kapuria
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Shashidhar
S
Acharya
Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
Kalyana C
KC
Pentapati
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003773:Dental Plaque / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005891:Gingivitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D010512:Periodontal Index; D029842:Phyllanthus emblica; D008517:Phytotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D029766:Terminalia; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D010936:Plant Extracts; C520904:triphala; D002710:Chlorhexidine
chlorhexidine; gingivitis; herbal; plaque; triphala