Comparison of the Effect of Iranian Toothpaste Containing Propolis with a Common Toothpaste on Plaque Index

Abstract

Background and aim: Dental plaque is the main etiological factor in the development of dental caries, gingivitis and periodontal diseases. Antimicrobial agents in toothpastes can play an important role in controlling and reducing microbial plaque. Herbex herbal toothpaste is the only Iranian toothpaste containing Propolis. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of this toothpaste with a common toothpaste on plaque index. Material and methods: This double blind cross-sectional clinical trial was performed on 46 dental students. The subjects were divided randomly into two groups of 23 individuals. Group 1 received treatment A or Herbex toothpaste (Iran) in the first period and treatment B or Crest anticavity regular toothpaste (Germany) in the second period. The primary and secondary plaque index was measured and compared using the O'leary index by the mean of disclosing tablets. To analyze the data independent T test and Paired T test was used. Results: Considering the data analysis, the mean difference between the primary and secondary plaque index in Herbex toothpaste was -6.813±5.749 and in the Crest toothpaste was -7.341± 9.340 that was statistically significant in both types of toothpaste (P > 0.05). Comparison of two types of toothpaste in terms of reducing plaque index did not show a significant difference (P = 0.714). Conclusion: Both toothpastes in the present study reduced the plaque index. There was no significant difference in terms of this reduction among the toothpaste containing Propolis and regular toothpaste.

Keywords

• dental plaque
• propolis
• toothpaste