| Need for study Dental plaque is a structured biofilm that plays a central role in the development of gingival inflammation and periodontal disease. Changes in plaque microenvironment can lead to microbial dysbiosis and initiate an inflammatory cascade, which may progress to periodontitis if left untreated. Effective plaque control is therefore essential, especially in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment who are at an increased risk of plaque accumulation. Dentifices containing chemical agents such as triclosan are widely used for plaque control but may be associated with undesirable side effects. This has led to increased interest in herbal dentrifices, which are perceived as safer alternatives. However, evidence regarding their antiplaque efficacy remains inconsistent, highlighting the need for comparative evaluation.
Aim: To compare the efficacy of Herbal toothpastes with a triclosan-containing toothpaste on periodontal parameters of patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.
Objectives: 1. To evaluate the antiplaque efficacy of a new herbal toothpaste.
2. To evaluate the antiplaque efficacy of one more commonly used herbal toothpaste.
3. To evaluate the antiplaque efficacy of triclosan-containing toothpaste.
4. To compare the antiplaque efficacy of two herbal toothpastes with that of the commonly used triclosan-containing toothpaste.
Methodology:
Participants will be given detailed information about the study, and written consent will be obtained. They will be blinded and after the assignment of groups, randomisation will be done by drawing lots. All participants will undergo an oral examination on Day 0 (Baseline). Then they will receive a dentrifice with labels removed and coded with an alphabet. At initial visit, plaque and gingival index will be recorded after brushing in morning hours (Baseline). Fones toothbrushing technique will be demonstrated for the standardisation of brushing technique. Then they will be instructed to use a new herbal toothpaste(Toothapaste 1) for 3 days twice a day. After 72 hours, evaluation of plaque and gingival scores will be repeated. To mitigate the risk of carryover effect, a washout period will be scheduled for a period of 2 weeks. Participants will be asked to use a regular dentrifice for following 2 weeks. They will be instructed not to use any herbal or medicated dentifrices as this could influence the result of the study. Then they will be recalled after 2 weeks and evaluated for plaque and gingival scores(Baseline for toothpaste 2). Triclosan-containing toothpaste will then be given for next 3 days to be used twice a day. After 72 hours of use of toothpaste 2, plaque and gingival indices will be assessed once again in morning hours after brushing. Participants will be asked to use a regular dentrifice for following 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, they will again be recalled and evaluated for plaque and gingival scores (Baseline for toothpaste 3). Another herbal toothpaste will then be given for the next 3 days to be used twice a day. After 72 hours of use of toothpaste 3, plaque and gingival indices will be assessed once again in the morning hours after brushing. This will be followed by phase 1 therapy for study subjects, and they will be placed on maintenance therapy. Data will be collected in Excel and analysed with statistical analysis.
Purpose of the study (Clinical Significance)
The study evaluates the effectiveness of herbal and triclosan-containing dentrifices in controlling plaque and gingival inflammation in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Improved periodontal health may help reduce inflammation-related complications and support a favourable biological environment during orthodontic therapy. The finding may aid clinicians in selecting suitable dentrifices, including herbal alternatives for orthodontic patients.
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