Objective: To discuss the benefits of herbal mouthwashes with the standard chlorhexidine mouthwash. This review is conducted to explore the benefits of herbal mouthwashes.
Methods:Many herbal extracts are now available as mouthwash for maintaining the good oral hygiene. Plaque accumulation and increase in oral microorganisms are the main factors for poor oral hygiene. Herbal extracts such as German chamomile, Terminalia chebula, Aloe vera, Green tea, peppermint satva, turmeric, neem, triphala, pomegranate extracts, guava extract, propolis, alum, darim leaves, mulethi, etc., are similar to chlorhexidine in plaque control and gingivitis reduction. Many herbal mouthwashes contain herbs with anti-microbial property such as neem, yavani satva, nagavalli, Gandhapura taila, pilu, Bibhitaka, Ocimum, Echinacea, Chameli leaves, etc. Many herbs are with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant property such as neem, clove, triphala (combination of amalaki, haritaki, and vibhitaki), tulsi, grapefruit, celery, licorice, katha, spearmint, and chamomile essential oil. Some herbal mouthwash with chamomile extract kills some skin pathogens such as staphylococcus and Candida species. Mixture of Staphysagria, Chamomilla, Echinacea, Plantago, Ocimum, and Cistus extracts used as mouth wash which was is better than chlorhexidine in reducing salivary mutans streptococci count. Hence usage of herbal mouthwash will enhance the oral hygiene comparatively with chlorhexidine mouthwash without any adverse effects.Result: Though herbal mouthwashes has the ability to maintain good oral hygiene on daily basis, but still it is less effective than chlorhexidine mouthwash during treatments like gingivitis, periodontitis, trauma, etc.
Conclusion:Besides the disadvantages, chlorhexidine mouthwash plays effective role during dental treatments on short term usage. Herbal mouthwashes are suitable for maintaining good oral prophylaxis. Many programs have to be conducted to make them aware about mouthwashes in their oral hygiene.
