effect of Frankincense in the treatment of moderate plaque-induced gingivitis: a double blinded randomized clinical trial

Extract of Boswellia Serrata species has been used in the Indian traditional medicine in the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. The present study was designed to evaluate anti-inflammatory effects of Frankincense in the treatment of gingivitis, which is a periodontal tissue inflammatory disease. This double blind randomized placebo controlled trial was carried out among high school female students with moderate plaque-induced gingivitis. Based on either administration of 0.1 gram of Frankincense extract or 0.2 gram of its powder or placebo and whether the patients undergone scaling and root planning [SRP] or not, they were randomly assigned to 6 groups. The primary efficacy outcome was changes in Gingival Index [Loe and Sillness] and the secondary outcomes were alteration in plaque index [Sillness and Loe], bleeding index [Cowell] and probing pocket depth [WHO probe]. All indices were measured in the 0, 7th and 14th days of the study. Seventy five patients ranged of 15-18 years old were enrolled. At the end of the study, the indices in all groups showed significant decreases in comparison to the first day [p<0.05], except for the bleeding index in the group without SRP and drug therapy [p=0.111]. More precise analysis of data revealed that SRP in association with Frankincense application [either extract or powder] can lead to remarkable decrease in inflammatory indices in comparison to the groups without SRP and drug therapy [p<0.001]. In addition, no significant difference was observed between powder or extract therapy [p>0.05] and between patients received either SRP or treatment alone [p=0.169]. Frankincense, a safe and low-cost herbal medicine, may be feasibly applied to improve inflammation based disease of gingival as an adjunct to the conventional mechanical therapy

[Oral mycotic flora and its association with dental caries in Babol dental students in 2005]

Candida albicans is colonized on different oral surfaces such as tongue, palate, dental caries and plaques. Different factors like age, sex, diet, dietary habits and oral hygiene play role in amount and severity of colonization of this microorganism. Our goal was to determine the relationship between the existence of Candida albicans in oral cavities and dental caries in students of dentistry. This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 121 students of Babol dental school without any history of systemic disease and use of antibiotics or streoidal drugs. After explaining study goals and getting informed consent, the students' demographic information and medical histories were recorded in data sheets. Then clinical examination for determination of DMFT and plaque index was done. Salivary PH was measured. Dental plaque samples were cultured. Data were analysed by SPSS 10.5 using Student t-test, Fisher's Exact test, Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-Square test. 63 [52.1%] students were male and 58 [47.9%] female. The mean age was 24.61 +/- 5.2 years. Candida culture was positive in 53 [43.8%] salivary and 51 [42.1%] plaque samples which in 50[94.3%] of salivary and 45 [88.3%] of plaque cultures was Candida Albicans. 44 students [36.4%] were caries free. The positive Candida cultures were more common in students with more dental caries, less than 7 restorations, oral PH<7, and moderate dental plaque [P<0.05]. It was also more common among smoker students. Presence of Candida Albicans in saliva and plaque samples had no relationship with sugar intake, number of brushing times and sex. Dental caries have significant relationship with existence of Candida Albicans in mouth, low salivary PH and smoking [P<0.05]. Candida Albicans is the most common type of Candida in oral cavity