title: Comparing the antiplaque efficacy of 0.5% Camellia sinensis extract, 0.05% sodium fluoride, and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Dental caries is a multifactorial disease which requires a susceptible host, a cariogenic microflora, and a suitable substrate that must be present for a sufficient length of time. Tea is prepared by the infusion of dried leaves of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis, which contains bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, and catechins that are thought to be responsible for the health benefits that have traditionally been attributed to tea. These compounds have multidimensional effects such as antibacterial action, inhibitory action on the bacterial and salivary amylase, and inhibition of acid production.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study is to compare the antiplaque efficacy of 0.5% C. sinensis extract, 0.05% sodium fluoride, and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash in children.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized blinded controlled trial with 60 healthy children of age group 9-14 years was carried out. The subjects were randomly assigned to three groups, i.e. group A - 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate, group B - 0.05% sodium fluoride, and group C - 0.5% C. sinensis extract, with 20 subjects per group. Plaque accumulation and gingival condition were recorded using plaque index and gingival index. Oral hygiene was assessed by simplified oral hygiene index (OHIS). Salivary pH was assessed using indikrom pH strips. Plaque, gingival, and simplified OHI scores as well as salivary pH were recorded at baseline, immediately after first rinse, after 1 week, and in the 2(nd) week.
  
  
  METHODS
  The data were analyzed using a computer software program (SPSS version 17). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were used to identify significant differences between the means of the study groups. Finally, paired t-tests were used to assess the significance of changes within each group between time periods. Critical P values of significance were set at 0.05 and the confidence level set at 95%.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean plaque and gingival scores were reduced over the 2-week trial period in the experimental groups. Antiplaque effectiveness was observed in all groups, the highest being in group C (P < 0.05). Chlorhexidine gluconate and tea showed comparative effectiveness on gingiva better than sodium fluoride (P < 0.05). The salivary pH increase was sustained and significant in groups B and C compared to group A. Oral hygiene improvement was better appreciated in groups A and C.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The effectiveness of 0.5% C. sinensis extract was more compared to 0.05% sodium fluoride and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouth rinses. It should be explored as a cost-effective and safe long-term adjunct to oral self-care of patients as it has prophylactic benefits with minimum side effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatric Dentistry, SMBT Dental College, Sangamner, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Chaitali U
authors.initials: CU
authors.lastname: Hambire
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, M.I.D.S.R Dental College, Latur, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Rashmi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Jawade
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics, SMBT Dental College, Sangamner, Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Amol
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Patil
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics, MGV's KBH Dental College and Hospital, Panchavati, Nasik, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Vaibhav R
authors.initials: VR
authors.lastname: Wani
authors.affiliation: Department of Pedodontics, Dr. D.Y. Patil Dental School, Lohegaon, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Ankur A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Kulkarni
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, MGV's KBH Dental College and Hospital, Panchavati, Nasik, Maharashtra, India.
authors.forename: Parag B
authors.initials: PB
authors.lastname: Nehete
keywords: 0.05% sodium fluoride; 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate; 0.5% Camellia sinensis; antiplaque; dental caries