Aims and objectivesTo determine and compare the effect of triphala, chlorhexidine gluconate, and garlic extract mouthwash on salivary Streptococcus mutans count and the oral hygiene status.Materials and methodsSixty children aged 9 to 12 years were randomly allocated into the study groups of triphala mouthwash, chlorhexidine mouthwash, garlic extracts mouth-wash, and distilled water mouthwash. Examination included decayed, missing, and filled teeth (dmft)/decayed, missing, filled surface (dmfs) and DMFT/DMFS, plaque index, and S. mutans count on days 1, 15, and 30.ResultsThe results were statistically analyzed using Friedman test, Wilcoxon signed rank, repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), paired t-test, one-way ANOVA, post hoc Tukey’s honestly significant different (HSD), Kruskal–Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney test; all calculations were done by MEDCALC software 14.0.0 version.DiscussionStreptococcus mutans count had significant reductions using different mouthwashes at 15 days, but the chlorhexidine group showed significant difference from the remaining three groups. Intergroup comparison for plaque index scores of triphala, chlorhexidine, and garlic groups was similar in preventing plaque build-up during the 15 days of mouthwash use.ConclusionAll the three mouthwashes containing triphala, chlorhexidine gluconate, and garlic were comparably efficient in reducing the salivary S. mutans count as well as in limiting plaque score; however, chlorhexidine was the most effective in this aspect. In comparison of the two natural ingredients, Triphala is more effective in its antimicrobial effect.How to cite this article: Padiyar B, Marwah N, Gupta S, Padiyar N. Comparative Evaluation of Effects of Triphala, Garlic Extracts, and Chlorhexidine Mouthwashes on Salivary Streptococcus mutans Counts and Oral Hygiene Status. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(4):299-306.

Objective: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" can be applied in pediatric dentistry to reduce the risk of early childhood caries (ECC). Prevention can bring revolutionary change in field of ECC, especially by creating awareness among expectant mothers who play a role of primary caregivers in infant's oral health. The aim of this study is to evaluate the knowledge and belief of expectant mothers in third trimester about importance of primary teeth and their care. Materials and methods:A total of 500 expectant mothers were randomly selected and questionnaire was prepared regarding their approach toward infant oral health care and role of primary teeth in their child's life. Results:The results of the study indicated that expectant mothers had minimal knowledge about primary teeth and also the role of teeth. In spite of this poor knowledge, the results also revealed that most expectant mothers were also eager to know information regarding children's teeth. Conclusion:Implementing educational awareness about primary teeth and their importance can bring change in mindset of expectant mothers, thus decreasing risk for ECC.