Résumé
The aim of the study was to compare between the synthetic drugs, i.e. alum 100%, aluminum chloride 5% and zinc chloride 10% and natural plant exudates, i.e. pods of acacia 20%, pale catechu 20%, black catechu 20%, and to determine the effect of ethnic, sex, and environment on the performance and potentiality of the retracting agents on the gingival tissue. Dried in locally prepared impregnated cotton strings with alum 100%, aluminum chloride 5%, and zinc chloride 10% and natural plant exudates [pod of acacia 20%, pale catechu 20%, black catechu 20%] were the materials. The best retracting synthetic agent was alum 100%, so it is recommended as gingival retracting agent. Aluminum chloride 5% had corrosive effect on the sulcular epithelium and retracting cord causing inflammation of the sulcular epithelium, also declassified the tooth structure. Zinc chloride 10% had caustic effect with severely inflamed gingival tissue. Also, it is not recommended as gingival retracting agent. Natural plant exudate agents 20%: pods of acacia, pale catechu, black catechu were the best retracting agents, for its good retracting width and period of time. They have not any harmful effect on the gingival tissue or tooth substances. It controls gingival crevice exudates and seepage. They are strongly recommended as gingival retracting agents, in 20% concentration and application time of 5 minutes. The comparative results of the measurements between the white Egyptians, and the black Nigerians, females and males, and moderate and tropical climates were negative