Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of Ayurvedic and Herbal dentifrices for Plaque reduction in Gingivitis

Abstract Background Despite the existence of a large number of trials employing ayurvedic and herbal dentifrices to reduce plaque in gingivitis, the findings are inconsistent. Therefore, we assess the overall effect of ayurvedic and herbal dentifrices in gingivitis on dental plaque index (PI), gingival index and bacterial colony counts (CC) of debris. Methods We found 554 articles after searching PubMed, CAM-QUEST®, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. 41 randomised clinical trials were considered for meta-analysis.The Standard Mean Difference (SMD) for effect size estimation with 95% confidence intervals (CI) was estimated using RevMan 5.4.1 software. Results A total 2,806 patients in 41 RCTs were participated. Ayurvedic dentifrices,Plaque index (PI): SMD= -0.52, 95% CI (-0.94,-0.11); CC: SMD= -1.70, 95% CI (-5.06,1.67), (Oil pulling therapy :PI: SMD= -0.38, 95% CI (-1.45,0.68); CC: SMD= -1.04, 95% CI (-2.20,0.11), Herbal Dentifrices :PI: SMD= -0.58, 95% CI (-1.55,0.39), (Triphala :PI: SMD= -0.65, 95% CI (-1.32,0.03) were found as good as control. Conclusions In addition to conventional dental care, ayurvedic and herbal dentifrices may help in plaque reduction, gingival inflammation, and bacterial growth. They are safe and may be recommended in community dentistry practices.