%0 PDF %T Benefits of Thymoquinone, a Nigella Sativa Extract in Preventing Dental Caries Initiation and Improving Gingival Health. %A Alwafi, Hanadi. %8 2017-04-14 %R http://localhost/files/nc581020p %X Abstract: Background: Thymoquinone (TQ) has a variety of pharmacologic properties, including antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative activities. Because of these properties, TQ could play an important role in preventing caries initiation and gingivitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential preventive effect of TQ on caries initiation through inhibition of plaque formation in a rat experimental model. Materials and methods: Sixteen, germ-free, 21-day old Fischer rats were divided into four experimental groups, four per group: G1 - negative control fed standard normal diet and received no treatment; G2 - positive control fed caries inducing diet without treatment; G3 - TQ (10 mg/kg body weight) in oral gel; G4 - TQ (10 mg/kg body weight) in drinking water. In order to induce experimental caries and gingivitis, pups in G2, G3 and G4 were fed a sucrose rich diet and challenged with S. mutans. The following parameters were measured: caries score (CS), plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and subgingival bacterial count (BC). Caries fissures and plaque scores were assessed using caries and plaque indicator solutions. Mandibular specimens were examined histologically to determine the degree of inflammation. Result: Rats treated with TQ in drinking water or as an oral gel showed lower, statistically significant differences in all the measured parameters: CS (p=0.02), PI (P=0.01), BOP (P=0.01), and BC (p=0.02) when compared to both control groups. Furthermore, compared to both the negative and positive control groups, mandibular specimens from the TQ treated groups showed no signs of inflammation. Conclusion: The present study showed that administration of TQ either as an oral gel or mixed with the drinking water diminished caries and plaque formation in a rat gingivitis model.; Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2014.; Submitted to the Dept. of Other.; Advisor: Driss Zoukhri.; Committee: Paul Stark, Soad Shaker, Cheen Loo, Yong Hur, and Ahmad Shaker.; Keyword: Dentistry. %[ 2022-10-12 %~ Tufts Digital Library %W Institution