Natural Remedies for Oral Health: Assessing Fennel and Cardamom Seeds in Plaque Control and Salivary pH Regulation

Abstract

Background & Objective: Evaluate an impact of chewing fennel and cardamom seeds on dental plaque and salivary pH levels.
Materials and Methods: This clinical trial included 50 consenting individuals from Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College & Research Centre, ages 18 to 60. The subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups, one for chewing fennel seeds and the other for cardamom seeds. Salivary and plaque pH were assessed at baseline, immediately post-chewing the seeds for 5 minutes, and 10 minutes thereafter, utilising a calibrated glass combination electrode, with findings evaluated via ANOVA.
Results: The average salivary pH scores for the fennel seed group were 7.1 at baseline, 7.3 immediately post-intervention, and 7.5 at the 10-minute mark (p = 0.001). For the cardamom seed group, the mean salivary pH scores were 7.4 at baseline, 7.6 immediately after, and 7.76 at 10 minutes (p < 0.05). The mean plaque pH scores for the fennel seed group were 7.4 at baseline, 7.55 immediately after, and 7.53 at 10 minutes (p = 0.001). For the cardamom seed group, the mean plaque pH scores were 7.73 at baseline, 7.71 immediately after, and 7.83 at 10 minutes, which was not statistically significant.
Conclusions: It was discovered that cardamom and fennel seeds increased the pH of plaque and saliva just as well. These seeds can be used to lubricate and moisten the mouth while providing caries protection for individuals at high risk.