Antibacterial Efficacy of Herbal and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Mouth Rinse Against Oral Pathogens - An In vitro Study.

Background: Nature has given us an enormous number of medicines for every disease that affects people. Aim: To compare the antimicrobial efficacy of an herbal and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthrinse against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Materials and Methods: The antimicrobial effectiveness (zone of inhibition) of a herbal mouthrinse and 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse were determined by agar well-diffusion method. Results: At 50% concentration, the experimental mouthrinse inhibits the growth of Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Enterococcus faecalis. Conclusion: Against the three strains, chlorhexidine mouthrinse (0.2%) performs better in terms of antimicrobial effectiveness.