Impact of Oral Hygiene Practice with Herbal Teas on Plaque Index and Bleeding Index among Under-graduate Students

Abstract

Oral hygiene is a critical component of preventive dental care, as plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation are major contributors to oral diseases like dental caries and periodontitis. While chemical mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine are effective, they frequently cause unwanted side effects. The goal is to compare the effect of commonly consumed herbal teas (clove tea, cinnamon tea, and thyme tea) as oral rinses on Plaque Index (PI) and Bleeding Index (BI) to chlorhexidine and water. A randomised controlled study was conducted with 150 participants aged 18 to 25 years old, divided equally into five groups: clove tea, cinnamon tea, thyme tea, chlorhexidine, and water (control). The results obtained were statistically analysed using mean. SD and annova test. Herbal teas were prepared using the decoction method and given twice a day for 21 days. The PI and BI values were taken at baseline, day 14, and day 21. All herbal tea groups experienced significant reductions in plaque and gingival bleeding, with the clove and cinnamon groups achieving results similar to chlorhexidine. Thyme revealed moderate efficacy. Herbal teas, particularly clove and cinnamon, are effective, safe, and cost-effective alternatives to chemical mouthwashes for controlling dental plaque and gingivitis. Their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties help to promote oral health and patient satisfaction. The results obtained support the use of herbal rinses in daily oral hygiene routines, particularly in areas where access to conventional dental products is limited.