A Hospital-Based a Single-Blind Parallel Clinical Trial Assessing the Antiplaque Efficacy of Propolis-Based Herbal Toothpaste

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the antiplaque efficacy of an herbal toothpaste containing propolis in comparison with a control group Material & Methods: A single‐blind parallel clinical trial at Department of Dentistry, Netaji Subhas Medical College and Hospital, Bihta, Patna, Bihar, India including 100 dental students (50 females and 50 males) All subjects were given verbal and written information about the study, and after entering the study, they signed a written consent form regarding all information received. Results: Out of 50 subjects, 25 were males and 25 were females with mean age of 20.82±1.48 years. There was no significant difference in the mean MGMPI scores between the three groups (Propolis, Dabur, Pepsodent) at baseline. But when they were compared after 24 h significantly (P = 0.01) highest mean MGMPI score was observed in Pepsodent group (46.44±5.07) followed by Dabur (38.42±2.29). Propolis showed significantly least mean MGMPI score (36.74±2.40) after 24 h. On comparing the mean difference (baseline and 24 h) of the three groups, significantly (P = 0.01) lowest mean difference was elicited by Propolis group. Conclusion: The herbal toothpaste containing propolis was more effective in reducing plaque accumulation in comparison with the control group. Considering the effect of propolis‐containing toothpastes on the reduction of dental plaque accumulation, these can be used as an effective oral hygiene product.