Using Herbal Medicine for Dental Pain in Saudi Arabia: Prevalence and Knowledge Assessment

Abstract

Background: The dental community has started to use natural plant properties to relieve dental pain. Besides their significant serious side effect, Herb’s ingredients should be chosen wisely. However, many studies are conducted to find out the herb’s information due to the lack of randomized controlled clinical trials. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and the knowledge of the effect of using herbal medicine for dental pain among Saudi population. Methodology: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia between September 2020 and October 2021. based on a structured questionnaire among Saudi populations. Structured self-administrated questionnaires in English and Arabic languages were used as a study tool. Authors collected the information using social media channels through google forms. SPSS 26 was used for data entry and data analysis. Results: The study included 4213 participants. 25% of study sample were males and 75% were females. 51.6% aged between 20- 30 years old. 61.8% of all participants use herbs to relieve toothache (82% of them use clove or clove oil and 36% use thyme). Think herbs are safe and free from side effects in treating toothache. 8% noticed side effects or damage while using herbs to relieve dental pain (27% of them swelling, 21% sharp stomach pain, 21% hypersensitive and 17% bleeding). Conclusion: The Saudi population show relatively good knowledge level and practice towards herbs use in dentistry. The use of herbs to relieve toothache was significantly associated with female gender, age, residence area in western region and average monthly income.