A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of a Mouthwash Containing Glycyrrhiza uralensis Extract for Preventing Dental Caries

Abstract

This study sought to confirm the effect of using a mouthwash containing Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract for oral health management by investigating changes in the pH of dental plaque and bacteria that cause dental caries. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted on 60 subjects categorized in either the Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract gargle group (n = 30) or the saline gargle group (n = 30). Scaling was conducted in order to ensure the homogeneity of the oral environment, while gargling was performed once daily before the subjects went to bed for 5 days based on the group. Caries activity was assessed using the Cariview test, while detection of the bacteria that cause dental caries was confirmed using microbiological analysis. All clinical measurements and evaluations were conducted by two trained dental hygienists under the supervision of a dentist. Based on the analysis of dental caries activity and dental caries-causing bacteria, the Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract gargle group showed a clear decrease in bacteria compared to the saline gargle group. Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract demonstrated no risk of tooth demineralization. It also showed excellent antibacterial activity through inhibition and effective reduction of bacteria that cause dental caries. Therefore, the mouthwash containing Glycyrrhiza uralensis extract is an effective oral care product suitable for use as an effective dental caries prevention agent.