Publication:

Comparative evaluation of efficacy of Darolac, Arimedadi oil and chlorhexidine mouthwash on salivary pH in special children: a randomized control trial

Background Children with special healthcare needs often have trouble keeping their teeth clean because of cognitive and physical problems, increasing their risk of oral diseases. While chlorhexidine effectively maintains salivary pH, it has lot of side effects. Hence an alternative mouthwash to chlorhexidine is required. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of chlorhexidine, Darolac (a probiotic) and Arimedadi oil (an herbal formulation) on salivary pH in special children.

Methods Randomized controlled trial was conducted comprising of 45 special children of age 9-12 years from a special School from Rishikesh were randomly assigned to three groups i.e., group I Chlorhexidine (n=15) group II Darolac (n=15) and group III (n=15) Arimedadi Oil. A pre intervention saliva swab was taken priorly to evaluate the salivary pH. Following a standardized oral hygiene regimen, participants were instructed to use their respective mouthwash twice daily for a duration of 7 days. Salivary pH measurements were taken at the end of the intervention period using pH paper. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the changes in salivary pH among the three groups.

Results After 15 days of intervention, intragroup comparison showed a significant increase in salivary pH compared to baseline with p<0.05 (p=0.00). The intergroup comparison of three groups when compared to mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine and Darolac, Arimedadi oil caused a modest increase in salivary pH after 15 days.

Conclusions Chlorhexidine, Darolac and Arimedadi oil mouthwashes were found to be effective in increasing the salivary pH in special children, indication their potential in maintaining oral health. Arimedadi Oil showed superior efficacy compared to Chlorhexidine and Darolac mouthwashes in this population.