ABSTRACT
AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this cross-sectional population-based clinical study was to assess the effect of single use of three different mouthrinses on the level of salivary Streptococcus mutans of 8 to 10-year-old Saudi children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Convenient samples of 52 Saudi children aged 8-10 years were randomly allocated into four groups of 13 each. Saliva samples were collected to assess the level of S. mutans at baseline before rinsing with the assigned mouthrinse or control. Three mouthrinses, Avalon Avohex, Listerine Miswak, and Optima Aloe Dent Mouthrinse, were randomly distributed to the children. Each participant was instructed to rinse for 2 minutes using 10 mL of the assigned mouthrinse. Saliva samples were collected after rinsing and colony forming unit (CFU) of S. mutans per mL of saliva was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed to compare S. mutans count at baselines and postintervention values of each experimental group and control using paired t-test and one-way ANOVA. All statistical analyses were set at a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: All test groups showed a reduction in salivary S. mutans compared to that at baseline. Statistically significant reduction (p > 0.05) in bacterial count was seen in Avalon Avohex group. CONCLUSION: A single-time rinse of chlorhexidine extract mouthrinse for 2 minutes effectively reduced the number of S. mutans of 8 to 10-year-old Saudi children. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Rinsing with chlorhexidine extract mouthrinse should be considered as a potential method in prevention of dental caries in children.
