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Read how herbal agents are revolutionizing cavity disinfection in dentistry

Medical News 1 min 494

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Created On: 19/04/2025

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Incorporating herbal treatments can enhance patient care while aligning with the growing shift toward holistic and biocompatible approaches in modern dental practice.

Expanding the growing arsenal of plant-based therapies in dentistry, a recent study published in the World Journal of Dentistry found liquorice to be more effective than chemical disinfectants for cavity disinfection in pediatric dental care. This randomized clinical study by Wajiha Khan et al. aimed to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial effectiveness of liquorice (mulethi) and chlorhexidine (1%) gel, with normal saline as a control, in children aged 5-9 years.

Eighty-four enrolled participants were divided into three groups. Group I received chlorhexidine gluconate 1%, Group II received liquorice, and Group III was given normal saline. After excavating carious dentine, the cavities were disinfected with the corresponding agents. Outcomes showed a substantial reduction in bacterial counts post-disinfection across all groups.

However, liquorice demonstrated the most potent antibacterial effect, with a higher reduction in bacterial counts compared to chlorhexidine and normal saline. Revelations made support the potential of phytotherapy as a potent, natural disinfectant in dental practice owing to its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and biocompatibility properties.