Assessment of <i>Syzygium cumini</i> and <i>Beta vulgaris</i> L Extract as natural disclosing agent among adults: A randomized crossover design

Background: Plaque disclosing agents are regularly used to identify, quantify, and diagnose dental plaque. Agents such as Syzygium cumini (jamun plum) and Beta vulgaris L. (red beetroot) have natural staining properties and are rich in purplish-red pigment. This study aimed to assess and compare S. cumini extract (jamun plum) and B. vulgaris L.(beetroot) as natural disclosing agents among adults. Methods: A triple-masked randomized crossover study was conducted among 45 participants. The participants were randomly allocated with allocation concealment into three groups, with a two-week washout period. The extracts were freshly prepared using 3% S. cumini and 3% B. vulgaris extract in 10 mL of ethanol. The disclosing agents were applied using an applicator tip for two minutes. Dental plaque was assessed using the Quigley-Hein index. Statistical analysis involved a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test followed by post hoc analysis. Results: The results showed a significant difference between the groups, with mean values of 1.6±0.19, 1.49±0.23, and 2.14±0.43 for 3% S. cumini, 3% B. vulgaris extract, and conventional disclosing agents, respectively. Post hoc analysis showed a significant difference between conventional and natural disclosing agents (P&lt;0.05). Conclusion: The conventional disclosing agent showed better results than the newer natural agents. However, 3% S. cumini and 3% B. vulgaris can be used to identify dental plaque.