Assessing the Impact of Green Tea Extract on Postoperative Pain Control in Children Undergoing Orthodontic Extractions: A Split-mouth, Randomized, Controlled, Double-blinded Trial.

Aim and background: Tooth extraction is a common pediatric dental procedure, but pain management remains challenging, with pain peaking two hours post-extraction. While analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used, though effective, they have gastrointestinal side effects. Green tea, with its anti-inflammatory properties, could offer a novel approach for pain relief. This study evaluates the effectiveness of green tea extract in managing postoperative pain following orthodontic premolar extractions in children and adolescents.

Method: This split-mouth, randomized, double-blind trial involved 44 children aged 12-17 requiring orthodontic extractions. Green tea extract was prepared, and each participant underwent two surgeries, with green tea extract applied to one site and saline as a placebo to the other. Assessment of pain was done using the Visual Analog Scale at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours.

Results: A study of 44 patients (mean age: 14.82 years) compared pain relief after tooth extraction. Green tea extract significantly reduced pain and analgesic use compared to saline, with lower pain scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours (p = 0.001) and fewer analgesics needed (p = 0.00001).

Conclusion: Green tea-infused gauze, when applied near the extraction site, is effective in pain management.

Clinical significance: The study demonstrates that green tea extract is effective in managing postoperative pain following pediatric dental extractions. Its application significantly reduced pain intensity and the need for analgesics compared to a saline placebo. This suggests green tea extract is a promising, natural alternative for pain relief, offering benefits without the gastrointestinal side effects associated with NSAIDs.

How to cite this article: Chakravorty A, Govindaraju L. Assessing the Impact of Green Tea Extract on Postoperative Pain Control in Children Undergoing Orthodontic Extractions: A Split-mouth, Randomized, Controlled, Double-blinded Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(7):825-830.