Publication

Abstract :

Introduction: Dental plaque is bacterial aggregations adhering to the tooth surface in the oral cavity. It may further result in gingivitis and periodontitis. Majority of the persons affected with plaque may not give much attention unless they experience some other symptoms like gingival bleeding, halitosis, dryness of mouth and sensitivity. Dental plaque may be compared with Dantasharkara, one of the dantaroga according to Ayurveda.

Aim: For the case series under reference, Dantasharkara Uddharana (removal of plaque) with shastra is told in Ayurveda. But the procedure is not standardized. So, the second line of treatment Kshara and Madhu pratisarana [rubbing] is adopted here.

Case Report: In the present clinical study, 30 patients were registered to have a complaint of Dantasharkara. Each case was observed for prevalence according to age, gender, socioeconomic status, occupation, diet pattern, frequency of cleaning teeth, tooth discolouration, tooth sensitivity, halitosis, dryness of mouth, plaque index and gingival bleeding index.

Result: 250 mg Saptachada kshara pratisarana and 100ml Tilayastimadhu ksheera gandusha daily once for 30 days showed significant reductions in tooth discolouration, sensitivity, halitosis, dryness of mouth, plaque and gingival bleeding indices, with an improvement of 83%,100%, 93%, 97%,95% and 95% respectively. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS software and are clinically significant with p < 0.0001.

Conclusion: Saptachada being a pratisaraniya kshara dravya is mentioned in kushtaghna mahakashaya and sa krimya Vrana chikitsa. Due to lekhana, chedana, bhedana pachana, vilayana and kapha vata shamaka karma, kshara becomes responsible for samprapti vighatana of danta sharkara. Saptachada kshara pratisarana is safe, effective and has proved to have better patient’s tolerance.