1MDS, Associate Professor and Head, Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sathyabama Dental College and Hospital, Jeppiar Nagar, OMR, Chennai, Tamil Nadu-603103.
2Department of Public Health Dentistry, Sathyabama Dental College and Hospital, Jeppiar Nagar, OMR, Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
Background: This study was aimed to assess the antibacterial effect of garlic extract against human dental plaque pH. The hypothesis of this study is that the use of mouthwashes incorporated with allicin may resist the decrease in the plaque pH and thus prevent dental caries. Materials and methods: A double blinded randomized control study was conducted among 90 participants. The study participants were then divided randomly into 3 groups by the chief investigator each group comprising of 30 participants: Group 1: allicin extract, Group 2: chlorhexidine mouthwash and Group 3: combination of both. The plaque collected was diluted in 20ml of distilled water and baseline pH was estimated using a digital pH meter. The participants were asked to swish and spit by using the mouthwashes. The plaque was collected and then mixed with 20ml of distilled water and the pH was estimated. This procedure was repeated at regular five minute interval for half an hour. ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc test was used for analysis. Results: All 3 study groups showed a significant difference within group from baseline to 30 minutes. Intergroup comparison showed that the mean value of combination group was found to be higher when compared to other groups. Conclusion: Garlic mouth wash is effective against dental plaque pH. However, the results were best obtained when used in combination with chlorhexidine.
Allicin, Garlic, Dental plaque, Dental caries, Periodontal disease
