Anticariogenicity of Picrorhiza kurroa Root Extract when used as a Mouthwash in High Caries Risk Patients: Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background: Imbalances in the oral microbiota or the presence of certain pathogenic microorganisms can lead to discomfort and various oral health issues such as dental caries, gingivitis, mucositis, oral ulcers and thrush, halitosis, and abscess.Plants and their derivatives are gaining more interest in the pharmaceutical industry.Mouth wash preparations provide a significant antimicrobial activity, promote tissue regeneration, and reduce inflammation.The mouthwash could be considered as a potential natural antimicrobial agent for treating infections caused by cariogens.Aim: To investigate the efficiency of Picrorhiza kurroa root extract as an anticariogenic mouthwash in high caries risk patients. Materials & methods:A fresh concentrated herbal mouth rinse of 10% was prepared by diluting it in sterile distilled water.Forty patients with high risk for caries were selected to assess the efficacy of the mouthwash.They were randomly assigned to two groups.Salivary pH, buffering capacity, and microbial count were evaluated before mouthwash use, after 10 min, and 20 mins.Results: Alter in the pH, buffering capacity, and a decrease in microbial count.