Evaluation of Clinical Efficacy of Unani Toothpowder (Payorin) on Plaque and Gingivitis A Randomized Clinical Trial

Introduction:  Dental plaque, known as dental biofilm, is implicated as the primary etiological agent responsible for oral inflammatory diseases. Dentifrices are commonly used for oral hygiene with some formulated with antimicrobial agents to control plaque. There is little information regarding the effects of Unani Medicine based toothpowder on controlling dental plaque and gingivitis amongst Indian subjects.  Objective: This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Unani toothpowder (Payorin) in alleviating gingivitis, controlling dental plaque, and inhibiting extrinsic stains. Methodology: A single-blind, parallel arm 6-month randomized clinical trial (RCT) was carried out on 100 subjects ageing 30-40 yrs. After an oral and periodontal examination subjects were divided into test(tooth powder=50) and control group(tooth paste=50). All participants received an adult-sized, soft-bristled toothbrush, and were instructed to brush their teeth for 2-3 minute two times a day, using the Bass technique, and to refrain from any other oral hygiene procedures throughout the duration of the study. Plaque, gingivitis and external stain assessments were carried out on at baseline, 4, 8, 12 and 24 weeks. Results: Plaque index, gingival index and Lobene index showed a linear decrease from baseline to 24 weeks. However there was no significant difference between the parameters measured in the two groups at 24 months. Conclusion: Both the dentifrices (toothpowder and toothpaste) were able to reduce plaque, gingivitis and stain although no additional benefit of the toothpowder over the positive control toothpaste could be observed.