RESUMEN
Chlorhexidine mouthwash has shown the highest antimicrobial effects in orthodontic patients, however, some complications have limited its widespread use. The goal of this study was to compare the antimicrobial effects of persica mouthwash with chlorhexidine in fixed orthodontics patients. Sixty patients [13-18 years old] on fixed orthodontic treatment, with desirable oral health were randomly divided into three equal groups of control, clorhexidine and persica. Patients were educated to properly use these mouthwashes. The control group was asked to wash their mouth with water twice a day. The numbers of streptococcus mutans colonies available in the elastic rings around the two bracket bases were determined in culture mediums before and immediately after a single application of water or mouthwashes and also following their daily uses for three weeks. The number of bacterial colonies then were compared at these three graps. The use of persica resulted in a significant [p<0.001] reduction in the number of streptococcus mutans colonies, albeit it was not as potent as chlorhexidine. Thirteen and fourty percent of patients using persica mouthwash experienced tooth discoloration and changes in taste respectively. The corresponding figures for chlorhexidine were 86% and 73% respectively. Significant reduction of streptococcus mutans colonies by persica as well as its lower tooth discoloration effects and unpleasant taste relative to chlorhexidine might give credence to the use of complementary herbal compounds in orthodontics patients