Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of (Between) 0.2% Chlorhexidine and Herbal Mouthwash on Salivary Streptococcus Mutans: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: The chemomechanical plaque control measures are helpful in controlling dental plaque and thus caries, especially in pediatric age group. Aim: This study aims to compare effectiveness of herbal mouthrinse containing Terminalia chebulato that of 0.2% chlorhexidine against children’s salivary mutans streptococci levels. Settings and Design: A double blind, randomized, controlled study design will be framed for conducting this study. Methods: A total of 45 participants were randomly categorized in Group 1, Group 2, or Group 3 (control group, experimental group, or negative control). Baseline unstimulated saliva was collected. All the participants were instructed regarding the use of mouthrinse for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks, again unstimulated saliva was collected. After collection, saliva samples were sent for microbiological analysis. Statistical Analysis: The mean colony forming units (CFU/ml) were determined. Paired t test, ANOVAtest, and posthoctest were applied for statistical analysis. Results: Statistically significant difference in CFU count has been observed in 0.2% chlorhexidine and Oratreat groups at 15 days as compared to baseline (P< 0.001). At 15 days, reduction in CFU count has seen more in Oratreat group as compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine group, and the difference is statistically significant (P< 0.001). Conclusion: 0.2% chlorhexidine and Oratreat mouthwash reduce the salivary Streptococcus mutans count. Oratreat herbal outhwash has proved to be better as compared to 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash.