Ruksana Sheik, T. Lakshmi

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a cross-sectional study on the awareness of herbal mouth for dental caries among the schoolchildren. Dental caries is defined as demineralization of the tooth surface which is caused by bacteria. The main predisposing factors to various orodental diseases are plaque accumulation and oral microorganisms. Considering different side effects related to the conventional modes of the treatment, herbal extracts have been paid particular attention recently. Herbal antimicrobial mouth rinses support good oral health and are among the effective complements to tooth brushing and flossing for patients with regard to providing a clinically significant benefit resulting in reduction of dental plaque. Herbal mouthwashes are a good alternative for the chemical mouthwashes as they are milder, nonirritating, and nontoxic. It is a cross-sectional survey with a questionnaire consisting of 16 questions. The survey is conducted among the high school students in Chennai. The importance of this study is to make the younger generation aware of the herbal mouthwashes in preventing the oral diseases which are more effective and has less significant side effects than the conventional mouthwash.