Evaluation of aqueous extract of terminalia chebula and chlorhexidine mouthwash as an anti-carious agent: A comparative study Garewal Jessica, Senior lecturer, Garewal Ripin, Senior Lecturer, Sircar Keya, Professor Address for Correspondence: Dr. Jessica Garewal, Senior lecturer, Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology National Dental College and Hospital, Derabassi. E-mail: garewal@rediffmail.com
Online published on 28 May, 2014. Abstract The anti-microbial properties of plant derived compounds are well documented. A review of the Ayurvedic literature reveals that Terminalia Chebula has proved to be a potent anti inflammatory, anti bacterial, antiseptic, anti enzymatic, anti fungal, antihelmentic and a powerful astringent agent. It has also been documented as an effective anti caries agent. This study aimed to compare, in vivo efficacy, of commercially marketed Chlorhexidine oral rinse with an aqueous extract of Terminalia chebula, as an anticaries agent. A mouth rinse of 10% concentration was prepared by diluting the extract of Terminalia chebula with sterile distilled water. The efficacy of the two agents as anti caries agents was assessed by evaluating the salivary pH and the salivary buffering capacity of 50 individuals. Although no statistically significant difference was found between Terminalia Chebula and Chlorhexidine. The percentage improvement in salivary pH and buffering capacity was not only better with Terminalia chebula when compared to Chlorhexidine but it also showed potential long term effects. Thus an aqueous extract of Terminalia Chebula can suitably replace Chlorhexidine as a mouth rinse which has numerous side affects like staining, mucosal erosion, desquamation, altered taste sensation etc. Top Keywords Terminalia chebula, Chlorhexidine, dental caries, Ayurveda. Top |