Year : 2024

Volume : Volume 15

Issue : Issue 5

Address for correspondence :
Dr. Kavita Nitish Garg
drgargdentalcare@rediffmail.com

Abstract

Background: The rising incidence of dental caries highlights the need for effective, natural preventive measures. Azadirachta indica (neem) and Ocimum sanctum (tulsi) are renowned for their antimicrobial properties and have been traditionally used in oral care. This study aimed to compare the effect of chewing neem and tulsi leaves on salivary acidogenicity, a key factor in the development of dental caries. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 participants, aged 18–30, were randomly divided into three groups: Neem (n = 20), tulsi (n = 20), and control (n = 20). Baseline salivary pH was recorded for all participants. The neem and tulsi groups were instructed to chew 5 g of their respective leaves for 5 min, twice daily, for a period of 7 days. Salivary samples were collected immediately after chewing, and at intervals of 15, 30, and 60 min post-chewing. The control group was instructed to avoid any oral hygiene activities during the study period. Salivary pH was measured using a pH meter, and data were statistically analyzed using Analysis of Variance and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: Baseline salivary pH was similar across all groups (P > 0.05). Immediately after chewing, the neem group showed a significant increase in salivary pH (7.2 ± 0.1) compared to the tulsi (6.9 ± 0.1) and control groups (6.5 ± 0.1) (P < 0.05). The elevated pH in the neem group persisted at 15 and 30 min post-chewing but returned to baseline levels by 60 min. The tulsi group also exhibited a significant increase in pH at the 15-min mark (6.8 ± 0.1) compared to the control (6.4 ± 0.1), but this effect diminished by 30 min. Conclusion: Chewing neem leaves significantly enhances salivary pH more effectively and for a longer duration compared to tulsi leaves, suggesting a superior potential for neem in reducing salivary acidogenicity. These findings support the incorporation of neem as a natural preventive measure in oral care practices to combat dental caries.