The mango leaf has been an indigenous oral hygiene device employed by people in parts of rural India. The effectiveness of this device has been evaluated and improved with ‘telling’ effect, instead of forcing them to change over to modern oral hygiene practices. Indigenously prepared mouth rinses are being evaluated as part of this programme. Neem-based toothpaste has been evaluated and launched into the market in association with Hindustan Lever Ltd. Clinical and microbiological investigation of another indigenously developed mouthrinse with Lemongrass oil is also being carried out.

Research is also being conducted to know the effects of tobacco (smoking and pan chewing) on the oral and periodontal health of rural communities. Further, to debate the influence of nutrition on periodontal health, studies were conducted on the fish eating population.

Periodontal status of institutionalised geriatric patients who have been sidelined by the mainstream public was evaluated and the appropriateness of use of powered toothbrushes in such elderly patients was envisaged. An emphasis on ‘individual attention’ in addition to regular preventive and maintenance care has brought about highly promising results in the well being of these senior citizens. Further, training has been imparted to caretakers of mentally challenged individuals on effective use of manual and powered toothbrushes.