Comparative Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Green Tea Herbal Mouth-wash and 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate Mouthwash Against Streptococcus mutans in Dental Plaque - A Randomized Controlled Trial

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Background and Aim Several chemical agents can alter the profile of oral microflora but can cause undesirable effects on oral tissues. Green tea Camellia sinensis contains adequate amounts of catechins and polyphenol compounds. It has demonstrated antibacterial antioxidant anti-inflammatory antiviral antimutagenic and anticaries properties.The purpose of this clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of commercially available 0.5 green tea herbal mouthwash with 0.2 chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque samples of school children. Methods This clinical trial was conducted including thirty healthy cooperative children who were randomly divided into two groups Group A 0.2 Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash and Group B 0.5 Green tea mouthwash. Baseline and day 15 post-rinse plaque samples were collected. Streptococcus mutans colony counting was done on day zero and on day 15 and the results were compared statistically.Results Within the group paired t-test analysis showed a significant reduction p lt0.05 of Streptococcus mutans counts from baseline to post-rinse in both 0.2 chlorhexidine 1.68plusmn0.63 95 CI -1.45 to 1.77 and green tea 0.5 1.54plusmn0.16 95 CI - 1.37 to 1.69 groups. Between groups independent t-test analysis did not show any significant difference both at baseline and post-rinse p gt0.05.Conclusion Both 0.2 chlorhexidine mouthwash and green tea 0.5 mouthwash were equally efficient in reducing S. mutans counts. However 0.2 Chlorhexidine mouthwash was marginally better. Green tea mouthwash has the advantage of being non-staining having no taste disturbance and having good participant compliance.