Context: Triphala has been extensively used in dentistry as a mouthwash because of its antiplaque and antigingivitis properties.
Aim: The present study is designed to determine the duration of its antibacterial substantivity after a single oral rinse and to compare it with the substantivity of 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX).
Materials and methods: In this clinical crossover trial, unstimulated saliva from 30 individuals was collected 2 h after routine oral hygiene procedures but not rinsing (pre-sample) with randomly selected mouthwash, (10% Triphala mouthwash, 0.2% CHX, and normal saline) and 5 min after rinsing (postsample). A washout period of 1 week was kept between two rinses. The sampling was repeated after every 2 h for 12 h (post 1, post 2, post 3, post 4, post 5, and post 6) and was checked for microbial count.
Statistical analysis used: Friedman test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and post hoc analysis were used to assess the effect of different mouthrinses on colony forming units at different times.
Results: Ten percent Triphala showed statistically significant results when the antibacterial effect at post, post 1 and post 2 were compared to pre-assessment count (P < 0.05). After which the effect was at par with normal saline (P > 0.05). The results for CHX were statistically significant at all times when compared to pre-assessment count (P < 0.05) and it showed the maximum substantivity of 7 h.
Conclusion: After a single rinse with no eating and drinking restrictions over the day, 10% Triphala mouthwash had an antibacterial effect for 3-4 h. It can be used three times daily for its maximum antibacterial effect.
Keywords: Antibacterial substantivity; chlorhexidine; triphala.