Comparison of the Streptococcus mutans colony count changes in plaque following chlorhexidine (0.12%) mouth rinse and green tea extract (0.5%) mouth rinse in 8–12-year-old children

Background: Mouth rinses are solutions or liquids used to rinse the mouth to have a therapeutic effect by relieving infection or preventing dental caries due to their antimicrobial properties. Aims: This study was carried out to compare the effect of 0.12% chlorhexidine mouth rinse and 0.5% green tea extract mouth rinse on the colony-forming units (CFUs) of Streptococcus mutans in plaque in children. Materials and Methods: The sample for the study consisted of fifty schoolchildren aged 8–12 years with four or more (decay component) of decayed, missing, and filled teeth index. Children were divided randomly into two groups and were asked to rinse with the prescribed mouth rinse twice daily for 2 weeks under supervision. The plaque samples were collected at baseline (prerinsing) and postrinsing and tested for the CFUs of S. mutans. Results: The results of the study indicate that there was a statistically significant reduction (pre- and postrinsing) in S. mutans colony count in both the study groups. There was no statistically significant difference in the reduction of S. mutans colony count between 0.12% chlorhexidine mouth rinse group and 0.5% green tea mouth rinse group. Conclusion: Green tea mouth rinse is effective against S. mutans – one of the major dental plaque microorganisms.

Short Term Effects of Magnetised Water and Chlorhexidine on Plaque Accumulation and Gingival Inflammation- A Randomised Clinical Study.

Background: The beneficial uses of magnetized water in medical sciences has been tried but its application in the field of dentistry is still at its infancy. Magnetized water can be a cheaper alternative to adjuncts used for chemical plaque control. The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of conventionally prepared magnetized water and 0.2% Chlorhexidine on gingival and plaque status among children attending a Government Dental College. Methods: The present double blinded randomized control clinical study was carried out in Department of Pedodontics, Govt. Dental College, Srinagar. A total of 75 children between 12-15 years were randomly allocated into 3 groups A, B and C, each comprising of 25 subjects who were asked to rinse with Mint Water (Control Group), Magnetized water and 0.2% Chlorhexidine respectively. Examination was carried on day 0 (Baseline), 14 days (2 weeks) and 21 days (3 weeks) whose Turesky- Gilmore Modification of Quigley Hein Plaque Index and Gingival Index were assessed. Results: There was a significant difference in the mean PI and GI scores of magnetized water and Chlorhexidine groups when compared with that of Control group, both at 14 days (2 weeks) and at 21 days (3 weeks). Conclusion: It was concluded that both Magnetized water and 0.2% Chlorhexidine showed less plaque accumulations as well as improvement in the gingival status as compared to the control group.