title: Clinical evaluation of a novel herbal dental cream in plaque formation: a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal dental cream in comparison to fluoride dental cream.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Clinical evaluation of a novel herbal dental cream in plaque formation: a double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  One hundred and two patients with established dental plaque were randomly assigned to either herbal dental group or fluoride dental group for six weeks in a double-blind design. Improvement in plaque index, oral hygiene status, bleeding index, and gingival index was evaluated in these patients along with microbiological study.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Results indicated a significant reduction in plaque index, gingival index, oral hygiene index, and microbial growth in both groups. Difference between the groups was not significant. There was no significant change in bleeding index. No adverse events were reported and both the dental creams were well tolerated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The finding of this preliminary study indicates that herbal dental cream is as safe and effective as fluoride dental cream, but not superior to it.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, K.L.E. College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Sunita
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Amrutesh
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiology, K.L.E. College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Malini
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, K.L.E. College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Prakash S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Tandur
authors.affiliation: Medical Services and Clinical Trials, R&D Center, The Himalaya Drug Company, Bangalore, India.
authors.forename: Pralhad S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Patki
keywords: dental plaque; herbal; microbial growth